INDUSTRY AND TRADE
90
Many smaller establishments are linked with larger factories through an efficient and flexible sub-contracting network, which has enabled Hong Kong's manufacturing sector to respond swiftly to changes in external demand.
Clothing
The clothing industry, including the manufacture of wearing apparel, knit outerwear and knit underwear, is the largest employer and export-earner in the manufacturing sector. In 1993, it employed 166 401 workers (33 per cent of total manufacturing employment) and earned $71,857 million in exports (32 per cent of Hong Kong's total domestic exports). Hong Kong is one of the world's leading suppliers of clothing, and produces a wide variety of products from simple accessories to expensive and high-quality fashion wear.
Electronics
The electronics industry, including the manufacture of electronic watches and clocks, and electronic toys, is the second largest employer and export-earner. In 1993, it employed 53 591 workers (11 per cent of total manufacturing employment), and earned $57,333 million in exports (25.7 per cent of total domestic exports). The industry produces a wide range of sophisticated and high quality products and components, including television sets, hi-fi equipment, electronic dictionaries, calculators, wired and cordless telephones, modems, microcomputers, computer memory systems, facsimile machines, talk-back toys, watches, multi-layer printed circuit boards, electronic modules, liquid crystal displays, quartz crystals and semi-conductor devices, and surface-mounted devices.
Textiles
The textiles industry, excluding the manufacture of knit outerwear and knit underwear, is the third largest export-earner. It comprises four main sectors: spinning, weaving, knitted fabrics manufacturing and finishing. Textiles finishing, including bleaching, dyeing and printing, is the largest among the four sectors. In 1993, the industry employed 44 182 workers (nine per cent of total manufacturing employment), and earned $16,180 million in exports (7.3 per cent of total domestic exports). On top of its role as an exporter, the textiles industry is a major supplier of yarns and fabrics of various fibres and blends (mostly cotton) to local clothing manufacturers, who are actually the textiles sector's largest customer.
Watches and Clocks
The watches and clocks industry is the fourth largest export-earner. In 1993, the industry employed 17 287 workers (three per cent of total manufacturing employment), and earned $13,161 million in exports (5.9 per cent of total domestic exports). Besides complete electronic and mechanical watches and clocks, the industry also produces high quality components and accessories.
Plastics
During the year under review, the plastic products industry employed 27 516 workers (five per cent of total manufacturing employment), and earned $5,869 million in exports (2.6 per cent of total domestic exports). Major export items included toys, containers, travel goods, handbags, packing bags and household articles.