INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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factured in the Colony, the principal factories being those of the British-American Tobacco Co. (Hong Kong) Ltd., Nan Yang Brothers Tobacco Co. Ltd., the Hong Kong Tobacco Co. Ltd. and the London Tobacco Co. Ltd. The industry uses modern machinery and Hong Kong made cigarettes are comparable in quality with any in the world. Packaging material of a high standard is also made locally. The industry has suffered greatly from the virtual cessation since 1949 of exports of cigarettes to mainland China, the bulk of output being now consumed locally. Quantities of locally produced cigarettes are exported to Macau and the Pacific Islands.
Footwear. The Hong Kong rubber boot and shoe industry has been established since 1932, the range of products in- cluding Wellington boots, plimsolls, beach, sports and house shoes and slippers, mainly for export to traditional markets in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Good quality leather footwear is also manufactured for both local demand and export, principally to Malaya.
Cement. The Green Island Cement Company Ltd. is the sole cement manufacturer in the Colony. All materials, apart from clay and iron ore, are imported. Production is mainly for local use, but a quantity is also exported.
Cordage, Rope and Twine. The requirements of shipping using the port gave rise early to the rope industry, the Hong Kong Rope Manufacturing Company Ltd. with a production capacity of 3,500,000 lbs. a year being one of the Colony's oldest established factories. All types of ropes and hawsers are manufactured from Manila hemp.
Plasticware. This industry, which came into being after the Second World War, produces a very wide variety of small articles, locally-made moulds often being used. Many of the factories are small, using hand-operated moulding equip- ment; a few of the larger establishments have up-to-date extrusion plant. Tooth-brushes, mugs and beakers, combs, coat-hangers, chopsticks, cigarette cases, mahjong sets and