HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1952
origin and lengthy negotiations were necessary before agreement was reached in principle on new methods of certification to permit goods manufactured or processed in Hong Kong to be shipped to the United States. This agreement should lead to a reasonable increase in the volume of Hong Kong exports to the United States during 1953.
Accurate figures were available for the first time regarding exports of the major items of locally pro- duced goods. During 1952, the value of such exports as are recorded separately in the Colony's trade returns was in excess of HK$480 million (£30 million) or 16.7% of total exports for the year. The total value of all exports of locally manufactured or processed goods was probably in the region of 20% to 25% of total exports, and shows clearly the extent to which Hong Kong in- dustry has developed and the important part that industry now plays in the Colony's economy. Fuller information is to be found in the section later in this report dealing with Hong Kong industries.
The Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong was re-opened on the 18th October, 1952, upon the arrival of Mr. Osamu Itagaki.
Throughout the year Hong Kong had its full quota of distinguished visitors. Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, Commissioner General for the United Kingdom in South East Asia, was a frequent visitor. Field-Marshall Viscount Alexander of Tunis, Her Majesty's Minister of Defence, stopped briefly in Hong Kong while on his way to Korea in June; he was accompanied by the Right Honourable Selwyn Lloyd, Minister of State
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