Ninety percent of Government services amenable to the electronic mode of delivery will be provided an e-option by the end of the year.

This was the message from Director of Information Technology Services Alan Wong speaking today at the From e-Government to e-Security Conference 2003.

He said the Government will continue to drive forward Hong Kong's information technology development by building an effective and efficient e-Government.

Mr Wong said $1.75 billion has been earmarked in the current financial year to meet the necessary capital expenditure in IT projects.

Presently over 80% of government services amenable to the electronic mode of delivery are already provided with an e-option, the Government aims to increase this to 90% by 2004.

Mr Wong said the Administration has adopted a pioneering public-private partnership approach in driving its e-Government initiatives, including the Electronic Service Delivery Scheme and the Electronic Tendering System.

The Government is also exploring the feasibility of developing a Digital Trade & Transport Network System, providing an open and neutral e-platform for exchange of data among logistics players.

The replacement of the Multi-Application Smart ID card will roll out this year and provide a platform for automatic passenger clearance at border points.

Mr Wong emphasised that as information security was important for the development of e-business, the Government had launched various initiatives to enhance its e-security infrastructure and facilities.