Mr P C Luk, Postmaster General, Hongkong Post, said: 'Through our alliance with leading global e-security solutions provider, Baltimore Technologies, Hongkong Post will issue mobile digital certificates for use in wireless communications, which will allow the full potential of mobile commerce to be realised. More importantly, with this agreement Hongkong Post reaffirms its commitment to allowing the people of Hong Kong the broadest possible choice in conducting electronic transations with safety, confidentiality, integrity and non-repudiation with whatever device they choose.'

Hongkong Post's Certificate Authority will be the only officially recogised organisation in Hong Kong providing services for all areas of the public and private areas. In addition to the company's recently launched e-Cert services, Hongkong Post says it is seeking to provide additional certificate types to address the unique commercial and organisational needs of institutions such as banks and mobile operators. Baltimore Technologies will assist the Hongkong Post in developing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework for trusted mobile commerce.

Baltimore Technologies is a global leader in e-security products, services and solutions providing services to businesses worldwide to securely develop their internet strategies. Speaking from Hong Kong, where he attended the announcement ceremony, Baltimore Technologies' Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fran Rooney, said: 'This joint announcement marks the beginning of a pioneering e-security project that will shape the future of mobile commerce in Hong Kong. Security is one of the great hurdles in the growth of e-commerce and m-commerce and we are proud to be working with Hongkong Post to strive towards setting standards for both the industry and the region.'