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INDUSTRY AND TRADE
liaises closely with other international bodies and sends representatives to attend United Nations-sponsored and other international meetings from time to time.
The Federation of Hong Kong Industries was established by statute in 1960 to promote and protect the interests of Hong Kong industry, and to provide a strong central organisation to which all manufacturing industries in Hong Kong could belong. It keeps watch on all matters affecting the manufacturing industries and reflects their views to government. It has a membership which is broadly representative of all industries. The federation provides a wide range of services to both members and non-members, covering certificates of origin, a custom built multi-risks insurance policy, consultancy work on all aspects of quality assurance, trade enquiries and joint venture requests, translation services, and specialised research tailored to particular needs.
Through its Design and Packaging Centre, which is the executive arm of the Design Council of Hong Kong, the federation offers design depository, design index, packaging consultancy and testing services. It organises the annual Governor's Award for Hong Kong Design competition, Hong Kong Young Designer of the Year Award and various design and packaging certificate courses. It operates the Q-Mark scheme, under the supervision of the Hong Kong Q-Mark Council, through which licences are issued in respect of products found to comply with internationally approved standards and manufactured under an adequate quality control system. It also services the Hong Kong Toys Council and Transport Services Council, which are open to all companies and manufacturers interested in the toy and transport business in Hong Kong. To cater for companies in the non- manufacturing sector, the federation runs a consultancy service which entitles sub- scribers to a full range of its services. It publishes a monthly magazine, the Hong Kong Industrial News, and a biennial Members' Directory. It sponsors exhibitions and fairs, and organises seminars and conferences on various industrial issues.
The Chinese Manufacturers' Association (CMA) of Hong Kong was established in 1934. It has a membership of over 3 600 industrial and trade establishments. A member of the International Chamber of Commerce, the CMA has played an important role in the industrial development of Hong Kong and is consulted by the government in connection with formulation and implementation of public policies. It is authorised by the government to issue certificates of origin. It operates a trade enquiry section, organises missions and sponsors trade fairs in support of trade promotion, promotes product development and investment cooperation between local and overseas industrialists, and holds the annual Hong Kong New Products Competition. It also provides services to introduce new technology and assist manufacturers to upgrade product quality standard. The CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories provide a wide variety of services including product testing, certification, production and pre-shipment inspection and technical consultancy. The association promotes industrial safety and manpower development in the industrial sector and runs two prevocational schools which provide technical education for more than 2 000 students. It has organised the annual CMA and Donors Scholarships Scheme since 1964 as a token of its support to technical education.
Founded in 1900, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, is an association of Chinese firms and businessmen resident in Hong Kong. It has a membership of more than 6 000. In addition to the traditional activities of a chamber of commerce, it maintains close contact with trade organisations in China and actively seeks to promote two-way trade between China and Hong Kong. This is highlighted by the fact that since 1957 the chamber has been authorised by the Chinese Export Commodities Fair authorities to issue invitations on their behalf to Chinese firms situated in Hong Kong. It is also one of