The International Development and Innovation Congress 2000 was officially opened in Hong Kong to promote invention, innovation and industrialization among the industrial community in Hong Kong.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) Thomas Tang said the congress "will introduce the latest market and technology trends, thereby providing a platform where new product design and process development methodologies can be effectively transferred to local industry."

"In line with the HKSAR Government's intention to develop Hong Kong into a center of innovation, the congress will assist local companies in developing new designs and innovative ideas into industrial products, thereby reinforcing an innovation culture among the local industry," he said.

The congress, now in its third year, encompasses three symposiums, two seminar series and a workshop with topics ranging from the latest market trends, design methodologies and knowledge- based engineering technology to medical products, advanced computer-aided-engineering and prototyping technology.

The four-day congress, organized by the HKPC, is expected to attract over 400 participants from a wide range of industries.