б
will gain more employment opportunities which might not
otherwise be provided.
Last but not least, I would like to remind the
Administration that our manufacturing sector is totally dependent on external markets and that we will have to compete
not just amongst ourselves but with the world at large. Therefore, maintenance of competitiveness of our industrial
sector is vital. The Administration needs to be careful not to
lose sight of the total cumulative impact on the cost of manufacturing through the push of other departmental policies. Let me hasten to add that, throughout the years, manufacturers
have never been against adding reasonable benefits to employees, nor have they been obstructive to environmental
measures for obstruction's sake. However, we are seriously
concerned that legislation in these areas might have been planned and pushed through on a piece-meal basis, so that the cumulative impact on cost has never been properly evaluated.
I did urge Government, on more occasions than one,
to
attempt to make a start in this direction.
Regrettably, so
May I now
far, no meaningful response has been forthcoming. take this opportunity, Sir, to reiterate my advice to the
Government.
Hopefully, in the context of the overall review of
our industrial policies, this advice would be taken up
seriously.
0569S/r2