under which it would give technical support and advice to manufacturers in respect of product research and development, creation in design and introduction and application of new technology, etc. Product research and development is a vital
step in the enhancement of manufacturing levels. However, no outstanding performance in this particular respect has yet been
seen in Hong Kong. I think there are two main reasons for this. Firstly, most small- to medium-sized factories are limited by their scales of operations and the availability of resources; secondly, the idea of creating new designs in products is not yet mature. Therefore, it is necessary for the Government to perform its co-ordinating and supporting functions to help Hong Kong industry make a start and achieve systematic and steady progress in the course of product research and creation of designs. Otherwise, Hong Kong would fall behind its strong competitors such as South Korea, Taiwan
and Singapore, etc.
As far as introduction and application of new technologies are concerned, the Government can make use of this centre to provide systematic and substantive suporting facilities in respect of technology transfer to enable them to have technical interflows with relevant organizations in advanced overseas regions on the one hand whilst improving their production techniques through the introduction of new technology and education on the other. Practical effects can only be achieved with the central Government or its departments being charged with the responsibility for the planning and implementation.
I have made the same proposal in my policy debate speech in 1985 and I believe it is now timely to bring it up again because Hong Kong is having a more optimistic economic prospect than it had a year ago and should consider using more of its resources to further strengthen its industrial bases.