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INDUSTRY AND TRADE
The Textile Controls Division is responsible for the general licensing of textile exports and implementing restraint agreements reached with importing countries. This involves the calculation and allocation of quotas, as well as associated control procedures.
Steps are being taken to computerise the textile export quota control system to improve operational efficiency. A computer system has been developed and, from January 1, 1978, will run initially in parallel with the manual system for the operation of control procedures on textile exports to the United States.
The overseas offices are almost entirely concerned with commercial relations work. They represent Hong Kong interests on a day-to-day basis and provide information on international developments that may affect Hong Kong.
The Commissioner of Industry and Customs is assisted by the Deputy Com- missioner of Industry and the Deputy Commissioner of Controls and Customs, and three assistant commissioners who head the Industry Division, Trade Division and the Customs and Excise Service respectively.
The Industry Division provides liaison between industry and other government departments, promotes overseas investment in local industry and deals with specific industrial issues, such as infrastructure, special projects and land matters. -
The Trade Division is responsible for certification and trade documentation procedures, including an import and export licensing system for commodities other than textiles. It operates a Trade Investigation Branch that undertakes regular inspec- tion of factories and goods, and carries out law enforcement functions, including prosecutions. The division also is responsible for handling trade complaints and controlling reserved commodities, of which rice is the most important.
A rice control scheme has been in operation since 1955. The object of the scheme is to ensure regular and adequate supplies of rice to consumers at reasonable prices. A reserve stock is maintained to safeguard supplies to the public.
The Administration Division, although directly responsible to the Director of Trade, Industry and Customs, services both the Departments of Trade and of Industry and Customs. It deals with personnel, financial and general management of the depart- ment, and administrative liaison with overseas offices. The work of the Customs and Excise Service is described in detail in Chapter 10.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a statutory body established in 1966, is responsible for promoting and developing Hong Kong's international trade. The chairman of the council is appointed by the Governor and its members include representatives of major industrial and commercial organisations, two senior govern- ment officials and four nominated members. The council is financed by an annual grant from public funds.
Besides its headquarters in Hong Kong, the council maintains overseas offices in 17 key cities - London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Paris, Stockholm, Zurich, Vienna, Milan, Amsterdam, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, Tokyo and Sydney. The Paris and Dallas offices were both opened during the year. The staff carried out an extensive trade promotion programme in 1977, organising more than 40 major international projects. These included a highly-successful fashion