INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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lanterns, kerosene pressure stoves and lamps, nails, screws, tin cans, novelties, metal windows, umbrella ribs, zip fasteners, steel furniture, safes, office equipment, domestic refrigerators and air- conditioners, and kerosene radiators and water heaters. A new precision engineering factory will shortly commence production of watch and aeroplane parts.
Paints. High-quality paints, varnishes and lacquers are produced for local sale and for export, and Hong Kong paints have a repu- tation for quality and durability. The Public Works Department of the Hong Kong Government is the principal local user.
Foodstuffs and Beverages. Although Hong Kong's preserved ginger is perhaps its best-known food product overseas, the food- stuff and beverage industry has many branches, including flour and rice milling, bakeries, canning and preserving of fruits, fish products and vegetables, the manufacture of soy sauce, gourmet powder, confections, bean curd, fruit juices, soft drinks, Chinese wine, beer and malt.
Products are largely for local consumption, but considerable quantities are exported to South-East Asia.
Sugar Refining. The Colony's largest sugar refinery was estab- lished in 1884. High grade refined crystals, and granulated and soft sugars are produced from imported raw sugar. Specialities are the making of half cubes, icing, castor and soft brown sugar, and golden syrup in colourful retail packings for domestic use.
Tobacco Manufactures. The cigarette industry uses modern machinery, much of it automatic, 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 export of cigarettes to China has virtually ceased since 1949, and the bulk of the industry's output is now consumed locally, but some exports are made to Macau and the Pacific Islands.
Footwear. The Hong Kong rubber boot and shoe industry has been established since 1932, the range of products including 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 local demand and export, principally to Malaya.