INDUSTRY AND TRADE
67
Several other schemes to provide much needed industrial land are either planned or under way. The largest involves the filling of Gin Drinker's Bay at Kwai Chung in the New Territories, where a large community development will take place alongside the present industrial centre at Tsuen Wan. The ship-breaking industry and its associated steel-rolling plants will shortly be re-established in an area which has been set aside for them at the head of Junk Bay. In all, plans exist for the provision of about 500 acres of industrial land within the next 10 - 12 years in some six different
areas.
The Federation of Hong Kong Industries was established in 1960. Unlike the majority of local industrial associations, which mainly cater for individual trades, it cuts across racial and sectional interests, its membership including all trades, many nationalities, and enterprises of all sizes. From its inception, the Federation has shown great interest in long-term planning for industrial develop- ment, and perhaps the most important of its activities in this field during the year was the engagement of the 'Economist' Intelli- gence Unit to undertake a survey of Hong Kong industry and to recommend lines of development in the best economic interests of the community. A team sent from London conducted a detailed survey, and its findings, together with information supplied by the Unit's network of overseas offices, will form the basis of a com- prehensive report to be presented early in 1962.
A vital role of the Federation lies in co-ordinating action by local industry. Thus, it concerted moves by plastic flower manu- facturers to overcome difficulties experienced in the United States market through the issue of copyrights on flower types. Other activities of this nature included the formation of a Freight Joint Committee to negotiate on freight rates with the Shipping Con- ferences, and, in conjunction with the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the establishment of a Joint Committee to investigate problems associated with the possible entry of Britain into the European Common Market.
During the year the Federation began to issue certificates of Hong Kong origin to its members. An inspectorate has been recruited and trained to ensure that the certificates issued are acceptable by international standards. A samples and specifications registry was also established. The registry seals and retains shipment samples