TRADE AND INDUSTRY
98
standard formats, is one of the techniques being implemented world-wide in an attempt to curb the amount of paperwork involved in business and to improve efficiency.
Two major private sector electronic date interchange services were launched in Hong Kong during 1995: EZ*TRADE, focusing primarily on the retail, distribu- tion and manufacturing sectors; and CargoNet, focusing primarily on the freight forwarding and transportation sectors. In addition, the Community Electronic Trading Service (CETS) has begun testing computer systems installed with a view to launching a commercial service in 1996. The CETS is a joint venture involving the government and 11 leading trade-related organisations in Hong Kong. Its initial service will cover applications for export licences for textiles and clothing shipped under quota and lodgements of trade declarations. The stage is set for a significant increase in the number of companies using electronic data interchange in Hong Kong. In the interests of compatibility, the government agreed that the United Nations Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport, a standard developed by the UN for electronic trading, will be adopted for government transactions wherever applicable. The government is pleased to note that the private sector services also incorporate this standard.
The Industry Department
The mission of the Industry Department is to facilitate the further development of manufacturing and manufacturing-support industries in Hong Kong within the framework of a free market. To achieve this, the department works with its partners in government, business, tertiary institutions and industrial support organisations to provide the necessary land, physical infrastructure and trained people to facilitate access to relevant technologies; to encourage applied research and development; and to monitor developments in markets and technologies which may impinge upon the competitiveness of the local manufacturing sector.
Land
The government put up 26 438 square metres of industrial land for sale by auction or tender in 1995. Private developers provided an addition of about 26 800 square metres of flatted factory space. Construction of the second phase of Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, which will provide 46.6 hectares of land upon completion in 1996, has progressed well.
Technical Education and Industrial Training
The Vocational Training Council (VTC) provides technical education and indus- trial training and administers a New Technology Training Scheme which provides financial assistance to employers to train their technologists and managers in new technologies. The Clothing Industry Training Authority (CITA) runs two training centres for clothing and footwear. The department is represented on the VTC and the CITA. Higher-level education and training are provided by the tertiary education institutions.
Technology
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is the government's main agent for technology transfer. The Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation