The biennial event returns to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 2 - 7, following outstanding results from the 2000 conference also held in the SAR.

Organisers say that Hong Kong's role as a telecommunications hub and gateway to China, combined with its success in hosting the previous event, led them to take the unusual decision of choosing a host city back-to-back.

"Normally, we would relocate to a different venue," said Tom Dahl-Hansen, deputy executive manager and head, exhibitions division, ITU Telecom.

"But the 2000 event in Hong Kong was an outstanding success. The feedback was excellent. Exhibitors were pleased to be here, the venue is world class, and all the necessary infrastructure is in place to host a high-level forum of this kind."

The conference is a unique platform for high-level telecommunications, bringing together industry leaders from government and the private sector who co-ordinate telecom networks and services worldwide.

With its theme "From Recovery to Prosperity", the event is expected to attract 35,000 participants from around the world. There will be over 300 exhibitors from 110 countries and regions, including every country in Asia, and good participation from Europe and the US. As the conference further broadens its global reach, Africa will be represented for the first time.

"We will also have a Youth Forum, where we have invited two of the brightest young people from universities in every country in Asia to come to the forum and be informed on what is happening in telecommunications and its future. This Youth Forum will also enhance synergy between governments and universities for the greater benefit of the region as a whole."
 

	Tom Dahl-Hansen of ITU Telecom says Hong Kong has a proven track record as a leading exhibitions centre

"Hong Kong has a reputation as an exhibitions centre, and the success of our past event proves this.

"Another benefit in Hong Kong is that we have the support of the government, which is vital to the ITU when deciding on a host city. In Hong Kong we receive excellent support from the Office of the Telecommunications Authority, which is one of the best authorities we have ever encountered, and also from the Trade Development Council (TDC)."

TDC is organising the single largest pavilion at ITU Telecom, comprising over 35 companies occupying over 2,600 square feet of exhibition space. "The exhibiting companies will show a very comprehensive range of telecoms services and there will also be IT service providers," said Alan Wong, director of services promotion. "We are looking forward to an exciting exhibition."

Related Links:
International Telecommunication Union www.itu.int/home
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre www.hkcec.com.hk
ITU Telecom Asia 2002 www.itu.int/ASIA2002
Office of the Telecommunications Authority www.ofta.gov.hk