INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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gourmet powder; 28 soft drinks factories and Chinese wine distilleries; and I brewery. The remaining concerns include bakeries, confectioners, etc.
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In the food industry the Colony is possibly best known for high-quality refined sugar. Two small concerns engaged in processing sugar, but the refinery, the Taikoo Sugar Refining Co. Ltd., is capable of refining 1,000 tons of sugar a week, and apart from high-grade refined crystals, granulated and soft sugars, it also produces half cubes, icing, castor, golden coffee crystals and golden syrup. Total exports, of refined sugar amounted to 47,376 tons, valued at £2,011,347. Malaya, Vietnam, South Korea and Macau were the principal buyers.
Total exports of foodstuffs and beverages were valued at £1,001,914.
Paints, Varnishes, Enamels and Lacquers. 9 concerns, employing over 460 workers. The bulk of production is consumed locally, but overseas interest is growing. Exports totalled 4,402 tons, valued at £773,586.
Plastic Ware. 65 factories, employing 1,491 workers, and in many cases using up-to-date production techniques. Much of the machinery used is made locally. Products include tooth- brushes, mugs, plates, combs, coat-hangers, cigarette cases, electric fittings, plastic-coated rattan, signboards, chopsticks, mahjong sets, toys and buttons. An important development within the industry is the use of polythene. Household utensils and seamless bottles in this pliant material are now available.
Exports were valued at £492,553, the principal markets being Malaya, Africa, Middle and Near East countries, Burma, the Philippines, and the West Indies.
Hats. 120 factories, employing about 3,400 workers, manufacture waterproof hats, sun hats, topees, straw hats, caps and, most important, felt hats. In this last line alone there are 25 factories. Exports of felt hats amounted to 248,449 dozen, valued at £251,979. Principal markets were Thailand, Malaya, Burma, India, and African countries. Exports of all other hats were valued at £405,446.
Cordage, Rope and Twine. 42 concerns, employing about 935 workers. The majority cater only for local needs, but the larger, such as
as the Hong Kong Rope Manufacturing Company, established in 1885, supply cables and ropes not only to the many ships which call at Hong Kong, but also