The MOU for cooperation in information and communications technology, which was first signed in 1998 between the two places, was also renewed at the same time, the official added.

The MOUs were signed by Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Information Technology and Broadcasting) Francis Ho and Canadian Assistant Deputy Minister for Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Michael Binder, who led a Canadian delegation to visit Hong Kong and attend the on-going ITU Telecom Asia 2002.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ho said that the two MOUs signified another major step forward for Hong Kong to collaborate with Canada for deriving mutual benefit.

According to Ho, the MOU on information and communications technology has, over the past few years, encouraged greater cooperation in areas of multimedia and software applications and products, electronic commerce infrastructure and policy, broadband networks and applications, and Internet applications.

Ho said the newly-signed MOU on biotechnology would encourage biotechnology firms and researchers of the two areas to explore expanded research and development opportunities, cooperation in investment, commercial biotechnology ventures, and the expansion of domestic and international markets for products, services and technology developed in Hong Kong and Canada.

Noting that biotechnology would play an important role in Hong Kong, Ho emphasized that the Hong Kong government was fully committed to providing a favorable environment conducive to technology research, including biotechnology development.

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2002)