Asia Times: Seoul, Hong Kong tie the IT knot


	November 9, 2001	atimes.com

China

Seoul, Hong Kong tie the IT knot

SEOUL - Korea and Hong Kong have agreed in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen and enhance cooperative relations in the information technology (IT) and communications sectors, the Ministry of Information and Communication said on Thursday.

The MoU, signed by Yang Seung-taik, the information minister, and Carrie Yau, secretary of Hong Kong's Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau, outlines the need for closer ties to further develop their respective IT and communication industries. It also stresses that both countries will encourage partnerships, investment, educational learning exchanges and advanced research and development in this field.

In addition, broad understanding was reached concerning the holding of investment seminars and fairs to promote products and services. They also identified areas of common interest that include the creation of online government services and multimedia content, broadband networks and applications and bridging the digital divide.

Government officials added that the two ministers exchanged views on code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile phone services and protective security measures related to the IT sector as well as the feasibility of setting up a joint venture firm.

Closer cooperative ties means that Korea, in particular, will be able to make better use of Hong Kong's worldwide distribution network to increase sales of its mobile telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

As a follow-up measure to the MoU, the two sides will exchange a delegation of business leaders in the software and information security sector as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Yau will visit such companies as Samsung Electronics Co, Nextel Inc, Securesoft, the Electronic Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and other IT companies and research institutions. She is expected to wrap up her visit and leave the country on Saturday.

(Asia Pulse/Yonhap)