INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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matters affecting the textiles industry. It met on 33 occasions during 1978. Both these boards are served by specialist committees as the need arises.
The Trade Industry and Customs Department is made up of two parts - the Depart- ment of Trade, headed by the Director of Trade, and the Department of Industry and Customs, headed by the Commissioner of Industry and Customs. The department has three overseas offices - in Brussels, Geneva and Washington - and also is represented in the Hong Kong Government Office in London.
The Director of Trade is assisted by a deputy director and four assistant directors, who head three Commercial Relations Divisions and a Textile Controls Division respectively.
The Commercial Relations Divisions are responsible for preparing and conducting trade negotiations with other governments. They also collect and disseminate informa- tion on trade policy measures taken by other countries that may affect Hong Kong, and take part in the activities of international organisations.
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.
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 Commis- sioner of Industry, the Deputy Commissioner of Controls and Customs, and four assistant commissioners who head the Industrial Support Division, Industrial Develop- ment Division, Trade Controls Division and the Customs and Excise Service respec- tively.
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The Industrial Support Division assists industry in its relations with other govern- ment departments and deals with specific issues affecting industry, such as infrastruc- ture and the health and safety standards set in Hong Kong's overseas markets.
The Industrial Development Division promotes overseas investment in local in- dustry by advising potential investors on Hong Kong's economy and infrastructure and assisting them in the evaluation and establishment of manufacturing projects in Hong Kong. The division encourages industrial co-operation between Hong Kong and overseas manufacturers, and liaises with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in the organisation of industrial promotion programmes. It also advises the government on industrial land
matters.
The Trade Controls Division is responsible for certification and trade documenta- tion procedures, including an import and export licensing system for commodities other than textiles. It includes the Trade Investigation Branch which undertakes the regular inspection 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.