Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced on Saturday the establishment of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC) and the appointment of 16 non-official members for a term from April 15, 2007 to March 31, 2009.

The HKFDC will be chaired by Jack So Chak-kwong, who is the chairman of the existing Film Development Committee. The membership will comprise all the current 11 non-official members of the committee, and five new members.

The Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology) will serve as vice-chairman, while Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs or his representative and the Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his representative will serve as the ex-officio members of the Council.

Welcoming the establishment of the HKFDC and the appointment, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph W P Wong said that the HKSAR government is committed to promoting the development of the local film industry which will benefit the overall economy.

"The HKFDC is a very important committee to advise the HKSAR government on the overall policy and strategy for the short and long term development of the local film industry.

"We will also consult the HKFDC on specific measures to promote the film industry, including the detailed arrangements for the Film Development Fund with an increase in commitment of 300 million Hong Kong dollars(about US$38.56 million) and an expanded scope to provide funding support for small-to-medium budget film productions.

"I am most grateful to all members of the existing Film Development Committee for agreeing to serve on the new HKFDC. The majority of the members of the HKFDC are active and prominent members of the film industry. I am confident that the HKFDC will be able to offer very useful advice to the government to revive and promote the development of our film industry," Wong said.

The HKFDC is tasked to advise the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology on six aspects including the policy, strategy and institutional arrangement for the promotion and development of the film industry; the use and allocation of public funds in support of the film industry; the planning, coordination and implementation of publicly funded activities related to the film industry; the merits of applications for public funding under the relevant funding schemes; the manpower and training needs of the film industry; and the promotion of film literacy in the community.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2007)