State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) used president Zhang Zemin's visit to Hong Kong to mark the fifth anniversary of the territory's handover to China to launch its English-language channel CCTV-9 on Hong Kong Cable.

The launch, which takes place today (July 1), was announced at a high profile launch ceremony and was one of an increasing number events using Hong Kong's FilMart as a media platform.

The deal was announced by SARFT deputy chief editor Tian Jin, deputy channel manager of CCTV Zhang Changming and chairman and chief executive of Hong Kong Cable Stephen Ng.