The Hong Kong government appointed Tuesday 11 non-official members to the newly established Film Development Committee.

According to source of the government, the committee will start a two-year term from Nov. 1, 2005 with Jack So, Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director of Hong Kong PCCW Ltd., as chairman.

The committee will replace the existing Film Services Advisory Committee which was established in 1998.

Their task is to advise the government on matters relating to the film industry's development, and to promote Hong Kong films in the Mainland and overseas markets.

Welcoming the appointments, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology of Hong Kong John Tsang said the film industry was a major creative sector in Hong Kong, and the government was committed to promoting its long-term development.

"A priority task of the committee will be to critically review the film industry, identify opportunities, articulate a vision and formulate a clear plan for the medium and long term development of the industry," Tsang said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2005)