Delegates from the telecom industry and governments worldwide converged in Hong Kong at the Opening of ITU TELECOM ASIA 2002, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The event will be held till December 7 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme ‘Asia Leading Change’, highlighting the enormous impact telecommunications has today on the growth and development of Asia’s economies.

Opening Ceremony was officiated by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Tung Chee Hwa, Secretary-General of ITU, Yoshio Utsumi and the Minister of Information Industry for the People’s Republic of China, Wu Jichuan. ITU TELECOM ASIA 2002 encompasses an International Telecommunication Exhibition and special sessions of the World Telecommunication Forum. This year there are 325 exhibitors from 25 countries. The five largest Pavilions are Hong Kong, Russia, India, France and Canada, whereas the five largest independent stands are represented by Huawei Technologies; Ericsson; Fujitsu; NEC; and Samsung Electronics. Over 237 expert speakers from industry and government will address at the forum on Investment and Business Issues; Policy and Regulatory Issues; and Technology & Application Issues.

ITU TELECOM is a premier telecommunications event organised by the ITU on global and regional levels. This is the second time for Hong Kong to host the event, demonstrating Hong Kong’s continuous efforts and unique qualities in promoting itself as a telecommunications, broadcasting and Internet hub for the region. The event is expected to generate significant revenue to the local telecommunications, tourism and service sectors.