The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has approved an initiative worth 300 million HK dollars to support creative industry projects not covered by existing programs, Eddy Chan, commissioner for innovation and technology, said here on Wednesday.

"This will provide broader and more comprehensive financial support for the development of creative industries in Hong Kong," Chan said at the opening ceremony of the "Reinventing with Design 2009 Conference", which aimed to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of businesses in the Pearl River Delta region.

The commissioner said the government has always supported the development of design and innovation in Hong Kong, noting that the government launched the 250-million-HK- dollar "DesignSmart Initiative" in 2004 and recently set up a new office to coordinate efforts and resources in this regard.

"With a dedicated office, the government believes that it can more effectively respond to industries' demands and better serve the trade through this one-stop-shop service," he added.

Chan also expressed his confidence that the efforts and investments would yield a sizable dividend.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2009)