InternetCoast Delegation Bound for Asia; IT Mission to Expos in South China and Hong Kong.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Information Infrastructure Expo and Conference

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2003

The InternetCoast, a regional initiative leading South Florida as a global technology hub, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with the support of the U.S. Department of Commerce, have organized the first Florida technology trade mission to China. The mission aims to provide Florida technology companies with a unique venue to see the latest developments in the South China Region at the Information Infrastructure Expo and Conference on February 19-22, 2003.

For one full week, the Florida technology delegation will have an agenda that includes travel to Hong Kong on a special group rate, group briefings, attendance at the Hong Kong Information Infrastructure Expo (HKII), and pre-arranged, individual business appointments with potential partners and customers. There will be also two special trips to Shenzhen, the information technology hub of China, and Hong Kong's Science Park/Cyberport.

The Florida IT Mission to Hong Kong will provide Florida companies with the unique opportunity to meet and create business relationships with potential partners in China. China has joined the Basic Telecommunications Agreement, which allows it to open the information technology sector to direct investment. The agreement requires China to implement pro-competitive regulatory principles including interconnect rights, independent regulatory authority, and technology-neutral scheduling.

Carlos Genardini, co-chairperson of the InternetCoast's Marketing Committee, who has assisted the sponsorship of this mission, stated, "This IT mission to China provides our Florida technology firms with a fantastic opportunity to drive global business in one of the world's largest and fastest growing regions. As a former Motorola SVP in Hong Kong for five years, I can attest that the mission's participants will see the immense opportunities for doing business in China."

On January 16th, there will be a reception and virtual briefing from 5:00 pm at the Miami Free Zone at 2305 NW 107th Avenue. The meeting will include a videoconference with Mr. Charles Mok, president of the Hong Kong IT Federation, who will give an overview of Hong Kong's technology industry and partnership opportunities with U.S. counterparts. An overview of the mission goals, agenda, participants and costs -- approximated at $950 per person for travel and accommodations -- are also to be addressed at the meeting.

Participants from all areas of Florida are welcome to attend the briefing conference and the mission. Winchell Cheung, director of the Miami office of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, noted, "We are elated to team with the InternetCoast to promote an IT mission to China. This is a unique chance to attend the HKII Expo and meet face to face with potential partners, enjoy the benefits of individual appointments set up by the Gold Key Service of the U.S. Commercial Service, and most importantly, develop new business in the region as a result of China's recent accession to WTO."

Information technology companies seeking to participate or request additional information should contact the Miami office of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council at 601 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 509, Miami, Florida 33131. Telephone [phone]; Fax [phone]; E-mail [e-mail]; Web http://www.tdctrade.com.

About The InternetCoast

The InternetCoast is a regional initiative leading South Florida as a global technology hub. Comprised of technology companies and organizations operating in South Florida's Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, it focuses on social innovation, entrepreneurship, and a knowledge-based workforce to facilitate investment and drive economic growth in the region. As a cluster of technology businesses, organizations and educational facilities, it is now reaching "critical mass" in the same way that other regionalized technology clusters such as Silicon Valley have achieved. Visit the initiative's Web site at http://www.internetcoast.com

About Hong Kong Information Infrastructure Expo and Conference (HKII)

HKII has emerged during the past five events, as China's premier regional IT business platform in which the latest information technology products and services are showcased and business partnerships are established. The former successes have paved the way for the event's sixth happening in 2003, which will further cover the latest developments and hot topics such as wireless and 3G applications, online entertainment and software applications. For more information, contact the HK Trade Development Council at [phone].