The Hong Kong government must strengthen support for innovation and technology to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven world economy, Financial Secretary Donald Tsang said Wednesday.

Tsang said in his 2000 budget speech that the government will continue to improve its institutional framework in accordance with the Innovation and Technology Commission's advice, so as to simulate the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong. The strong policy support the government will provide includes the setting up of an inter-bureau committee, which will be chaired by Tsang himself, to coordinate the government's efforts.

A new Innovation and Technology Commission will be established under the Commerce and Industry Bureau to manage and implement the government's program in the IT field, Tsang said.

Besides, experts will be recruited in the field to assist the Innovation and Technology Commission full time to enhance the government's skills capacity, Tsang said.