INDUSTRY AND TRADE
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The Hong Kong Management Association is a professional management organisation, incorporated in 1960 to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of management in Hong Kong. With a membership of over 7 500, it organises some 1600 training programmes and provides various management services such as translation, recruitment and the organisation of exhibitions.
The Hong Kong Exporters' Association was formed in 1955, and has a membership of 300 export and manufacturing companies. Its objectives are to protect and promote the interests of its members, to disseminate trade information, and to act as a representative body to voice members' concerns and assist in solving any trade problems they may
encounter.
Customs and Excise Department
The Trade Controls Branch of the Customs and Excise Department is responsible for the enforcement of Hong Kong's ordinances and regulations relating to trade controls. These include certification of origin, import and export licensing of textiles and strategic commodities, reserved commodities control, verification and assessment of trade declarations, consumer protection, and weights and measures.
During the year, a high level of enforcement was maintained to protect the integrity of Hong Kong's certification and licensing systems, and to fulfil obligations under international trade agreements. In particular, action was stepped up against country of origin fraud and illegal trans-shipments in the textile trade by conducting more physical checks on textile imports and exports and by monitoring consignments, traders and cargo-forwarders suspected of involvement in illegal trans-shipment.
Greater emphasis was placed on the enforcement of consumer protection legislation, particularly the new Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, which came into effect on July 1.
Trade in Endangered Species
The import, export and possession of endangered species of animals and plants, including parts and derivatives, are strictly regulated by the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, which gives effect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The licensing policy follows closely the principles of the convention. Commercial trade in highly-endangered species is prohibited, and trade in less endangered species is subject to strict licensing requirements.
The ordinance is administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, and enforced by officers of the department and the Customs and Excise Department through checking at entry points, markets, shops and restaurants, as well as inspection of endangered species shipments. All suspected offences are investigated and prosecutions are instituted if there is evidence of a breach of the ordinance. During 1993, there were 426 seizures and 117 prosecutions under the ordinance.
Government Supplies Department
The Government Supplies Department is the government's central organisation for pro- curement and supply of stores and equipment required by government departments and certain subvented organisations.