All set: Assistant Commissioner of Police Henrique Koo, Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Marion Lai, and Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong explain the Government's preparations for ITU Telecom World 2006.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong says the Government will do its best to make ITU Telecom World 2006 a success, adding special arrangements will be made allowing people to attend the event.

Mr Wong said today the event will open December 3 at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, while its other events will be held December 4 to 8 at AsiaWorld-Expo.

Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Wu Bangguo, Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus and other renowned guests will attend the opening ceremony on December 3.

Noting it will be the first time the event has taken place outside of ITU's home base in Geneva since its launch in 1971, Mr Wong said the event is expected to attract up to 60,000 visitors, generating about $900 million for Hong Kong's coffers.

Event details

Mr Wong said the event will create a platform for showcasing the strengths of the local information and communications technology and related industries and for international exchange.

All 66,000 square metres of exhibition space has been leased out. About 630 international telecoms and information and communications technology companies, including 145 Mainland and 71 local firms, will showcase their latest products and technologies.

A number of pavilions will be set up at the exhibition venue. The Hong Kong Pavilion, at 2,500 square metres, will be the largest.

To enhance visitors' understanding about the Mainland's telecoms market, special activities will be organised on "China Day" - December 5.

Free tickets

Mr Wong said the Government hopes the event will raise local youngsters' awareness of the development of the information and telecommunication industry, adding that 7,500 free tickets will be distributed to tertiary students, voluntary agencies, teachers and students of special schools. Highlights of the event will be broadcast on the RTHK website and on TVB Jade and Pearl.

Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Marion Lai says reception counters will be set up at the airport and control points. Transport arrangements and liaison services will be offered to visiting ministers from various countries.

The bureau, Transport Department, Police, and other bodies will set up a joint co-ordination centre for the event. The Transport Department's Emergency Co-ordination Centre will also monitor traffic conditions.

The frequency of the MTR Airport Express and Tung Chung Line will be increased, and shuttle buses from Tung Chung MTR Station and the exhibition venue, and free feeder bus services, will also be available.

Chek Lap Kok will see special traffic arrangements implemented.

Passengers going to Central and the airport should make use of public transport as far as possible and allow more time to get to their destination. They should also check on the latest traffic situation from the radio or by calling 183 4567.