INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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aspects of its external commercial relations and for gathering information and formulating policy recommendations on issues affecting Hong Kong and general commercial interests. The Rest of the World and Textile Systems Group comprises three divisions, each headed by an assistant commissioner. One division is responsible for Hong Kong's external commercial relations and internal quota administration in respect of North America (USA and Canada) and a second division is responsible for the other regions (that is, other than the EEC and North America). The third division is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Hong Kong Textile Export Quota System, the planning and implementation of the programme to computerise the textile controls system.
The Commissioner of Industry is assisted by a deputy commissioner and four assistant commissioners who head respectively the Environment and Resources Division, the Industrial Development Division, the Promotion Consultancy Division and the Science and Technology Division. The last two divisions were established in late 1981.
The Environment and Resources Division assists industry in its relations with other government departments, and deals with specific issues affecting industry
such as infrastructure, industrial information survey and research and effects of environmental legislation on industry. It also monitors the oil supply in Hong Kong.
The Industrial Development Division is responsible for the policy aspects of industrial investment promotion, including the formulation of an overall promotion strategy. The division co-ordinates the organisation of industrial promotion programmes with industry and trade organisation. It also advises the government on industrial land matters.
The Promotion Consultancy Division is responsible for providing comprehensive information about Hong Kong to potential investors and assisting them in the evaluation and establishment of manufacturing projects in Hong Kong. Overseas industrial promo- tion offices are being established in Japan, the United States, Continental Europe, and the United Kingdom.
The Science and Technology Division comprises the secretariat for the Industrial Development Board established by the government to advise on the provision of industrial support facilities and technical back-up services, transfer of technology, and research and development; the government Standards and Calibration Laboratory which will provide calibration services in respect of certain electrical and electronics measurements and standards; and a Standards Branch responsible for the administrative aspects of product standards, quality certification services and accreditation of testing laboratories.
The Commissioner of Customs and Controls is assisted by a deputy commissioner, and two assistant commissioners one of whom heads the Trade Controls Division and while the other is in day to day operational charge of the Customs and Excise Service.
The Trade Controls Division is responsible for origin certification, the import and export licensing of commodities other than textiles and a rice control scheme. This responsibility includes the routine inspection of premises and fraud investigations. The division is also involved in the development and enforcement of trade description, design copyright and weights and measures law; and the handling of trade complaints generally.
The Customs and Excise Service is a disciplined force. Its main functions are to enforce the laws of Hong Kong relating to dutiable commodities, dangerous drugs, import and export controls and copyright protection.
The Administration Division is directly responsible to the Director of Trade Industry and Customs, and services the departments of Trade, Industry, and Customs and Controls. It deals with personnel and the financial and general management of the department, as well as the administrative liaison with overseas offices.