France would be the partner for 2009 Business of Design Week (BODW) in Hong Kong, one of the most significant events on the international design calendar, the Information Services Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Tuesday.

The department quoted Hong Kong Commissioner for Innovation and Technology Eddy Chan as saying in Paris that the event was valued by Hong Kong people and those around the world who were keen to learn more about innovation, design and branding.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in conjunction with the Hong Kong-France Business Partnership, Chan said in these challenging times, good design held the key to survival and the chance to thrive.

"The BODW provides a platform for stakeholders to celebrate good design and its increasingly critical place in business success," he said.

With government funding support, the BODW is now in its eighth year. The weeklong event will feature conferences, exhibitions, seminars and many networking programs. Through these events, legendary designers, iconic CEOs, renowned educators and many others will share their experience and visions.

"BODW allows an opportunity for the many other brands in the many other fields of France to showcase in Asia. I am sure the one-week exchange at BODW will bring year-long collaboration and business opportunities," Chan added.