HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1952
Vacuum flasks and jugs
The combined output of six factories employing over 700 workers is in the region of 10,000 dozens per month but, due to increased competition in over- seas markets and a rise in the cost of raw materials, exports during 1952 did not exceed 88,054 dozens, valued at about £360,000. The main markets were Malaya and Thailand.
Plastics
There has been a gradual expansion of business for this new industry and exports in 1952, were valued at over £300,000, the main markets being Indonesia and Malaya. Twenty factories are engaged in making plastic articles but only two of these have adapted them- selves to modern methods of production. They can produce almost any article required.
Foodstuffs
Nearly 80 factories, employing 5,000 workers, pre- serve and can for export various types of foodstuffs including fruits, water chestnuts, salted vegetables and soya beans. Malaya, Thailand, the United States and Burma are the most important markets and exports during 1952 were valued at nearly £1,000,000.
Paint
Eight modern paint factories, employing over 300 workers, produce high quality paints for local sale as well as for export to such markets as Malaya, Thailand and Burma. Exports in 1952 were in the region of 5,500,000 pounds and valued at £600,000.
78