The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) had allocated 10 million HK dollars (1.3 million U.S. dollars) for the design sector to develop its markets and training, and to host major events promoting Hong Kong as a city of creativity, an official said Wednesday.

Acting Head of Create Hong Kong Alan Siu said that this year's 50 graduates from higher diploma or degree of design programs will be placed in a trainee scheme.

The Government will subsidize each trainee 4,000 HK dollars ( 516 U.S. dollars) a month for a year, he said.

Contributing also at least 4,000 HK dollars a month, design companies will provide posts and training for young people to gain practical experience.

Another funded project is the Trade Development Council's series of seminars from July to November in five cities in the Pearl River delta region to introduce Hong Kong's design and its brand-management profession.

A competition for the fashion industry will also be organized to find creative talent for both the local and Mainland industry, according to Siu.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2009)