64
INDUSTRY AND TRADE
enlargement of the council's powers and functions to enable it to meet the changing in- dustrial development needs of Hong Kong with greater flexibility and effectiveness.
―
The council's facilities include four training centres in Central District, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and To Kwa Wan electronic data processing facilities, microprocessor application laboratory, automation unit, industrial chemistry laboratory, metal finishing laboratory, heat treatment unit, die-casting unit, environmental control laboratory, tech- nical reference library and on-line information retrieval service.
During the year, the council completed two consultancy studies on sheet metal process- ing and precision machining under the sponsorship of the Industry Development Board. It also accepted the government's proposal that it should adopt a 'unified approach' in the provision of industry support facilities, to rationalise various recommendations made in techno-economic studies and to give early implementation to priority projects.
There was a sustained demand for the council's management and industrial consultancy services from both local and overseas companies in establishing new plants, and in expanding and streamlining their operations. The council completed over 240 consultancy projects, including feasibility studies, production management, personnel recruitment, and various technical assistance services. In metals technology, 2 500 heat treatment and metal finishing assignments were completed on behalf of client companies to improve the quality of their production tooling and to increase the productivity of their operations.
Throughout the year, the Microprocessor Application Laboratory was engaged in the provision of consultancy services and the development of productivity enhancement systems. Development work on two computer-aided design systems, for garment grading and printed circuit board layout, was completed. Training programmes in microprocessor application were organised. In electronic data processing, the council began projects on system studies and application software development. The council also undertook the development – in a joint venture project of a comprehensive management information system with software specially developed for the garment industry. In environmental management, 46 projects were carried out, covering air pollution control, waste water treatment, noise control and solid waste management.
The council maintains close contact with industry through its Industry Liaison Scheme. Seminars, forums and presentations were conducted for various district bodies and industrial associations. In the area of training, the council organised 400 courses for over 8 000 people, covering management and supervisory techniques, advanced programming and electronic data processing appreciation courses, and a diverse range of technology programmes for various industries. It also organised exhibitions on clothing technology and industrial automation. Four overseas study missions were organised to observe the latest technology in hot-metal processing and vacuum coating and the latest management techniques in quality control and construction site safety.
As a member of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), the council handles all APO matters on behalf of the government. During the year, under the sponsorship of the APO, the council held two seminars, attended by delegates from most Asian countries, on the use of computers in manufacturing.
Other Trade and Industrial Organisations
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1861, is the oldest and largest trade and industrial association in the territory. It comprises more than 2 700 companies representing all branches of commerce and industry. The chamber is actively involved in promoting Hong Kong's trade and attracting new industries. It is a member of the