INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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crystals, multi-layer printed circuit boards, computer memory systems, microcomputers, computer components and peripherals, calculators, radios, recorders, television sets and telecommunication equipment comprising digital diallers, cordless telephones and tele- phones with built-in memories. The boundary between this industry and others, notably toys and watches, is becoming increasingly indistinct due to the widespread application of electronics technology to other consumer products.
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The plastics industry also performed very well in 1984. Domestic exports during the were valued at $12,305 million, compared with $8,100 million in 1983. The industry has 5 426 factories and 92 355 workers. Hong Kong continues to be the world's largest supplier of toys, which represented the bulk of the plastic industry's output.
The watches and clocks industry fared well in 1984. Domestic exports during the year were valued at $9,227 million compared with $8,566 million in 1983. The industry has 1 904 factories employing 41 822 workers. Production includes both mechanical and electronic watches, clocks, watch cases, dials, metal watch bands, assembled watch movements and watch straps of various materials.
Other important light industries produce travel goods, handbags and similar articles, metal products, jewellery, domestic electrical equipment, electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and optical and photographic goods.
Heavy and Service Industries
Hong Kong shipyards provide a competitive repair service and build a variety of vessels. Several large shipbuilding and repair yards on Tsing Yi Island provide services to the shipping industry and construct oil rigs for exploration activities.
The port of Hong Kong, which ranks among the top three container ports in the world, handled approximately 2.10 million TEUS (20-feet equivalent units) in 1984.
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The aircraft engineering industry has a high international reputation and provides maintenance, overhaul and repair facilities for most Asian airlines.
The manufacture of machinery, machine tools and their parts provides support to other local industries and also contributes to Hong Kong's export trade. Of particular importance are blow moulding, injection moulding, and extrusion machines of up to 9 070-gram capacity for the plastics industry; power presses; lathes, shapers and drilling machines; polishing machines; printing presses; textile knitting and warping machines; and electroplating equipment.
Industry Department
The department comprises four divisions. The Environment and Resources Division handles a wide variety of issues involved in looking after the interests of the industrial sector. It maintains close liaison with local trade and industrial organisations in repre- senting their views to relevant government departments. Among specific subjects dealt with are the monitoring of raw material supplies (in particular fuel and other essential oil products), the provision of adequate infrastructural facilities including the smooth move- ment of freight within and outside Hong Kong at equitable freight rates, the manpower needs of industry and the examination of the effects of environmental legislation on industry.
The Industrial Development Division is responsible for the policy aspects of industrial investment promotion, including the formulation of an overall promotion strategy. It co-ordinates the organisation of industrial promotion programmes with industry and trade organisations and advises the government on industrial land matters.