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The pilot project of sending qualified electronic engineers abroad to acquire advanced training in Applications Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) technology indicates the initiative taken by the Government to upgrade industry support infrastructure. This kind of scheme to facilitate technology transfer may only be a short term incentive for corporations to set up advanced technology industries in Hong Kong, perhaps we should also look into the possibility of establishing a permanent research institute with fundings from Government and industry to provide specific technological application facilities.
As the Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, I am proud of the role it plays in facilitating the application of appropriate advanced technologies to various businesses. Over the past five years, the demand for its service has grown at an average rate of 25% per annum, and it is now serving over 4,000 companies annually. The favourable reception of HKPC's proposal to establish a permanent base in the Special Purpose Building reflects the significance accorded to it. However, despite its substantial contribution to the transfer and application of technology, the Government has not agreed to upgrade the terms of services of its staff to a level comparable to that those of other subvented organizations, such as the Hong Kong Polytechnic, the Trade Development Council or the Vocational Training Council. Without active encouragement from the Government, HKPC will remain entrenched in staff difficulties, which will in turn affect its future development.
The internal restructuring of our industry must be
As effected in conjunction with the diversification effort. mentioned hereinbefore, the health of our industry, hence our economy is dependent upon the well-being of the export market. With the upheaval of international trade-protectionist sentiment, especially in the United States, whose market accounts for over 40% of our export, we must equip ourselves to face the onslaught of protectionist legislation. Our export-led economy with open market without trade barriers is all the more vulnerable in an