TRADE AND INDUSTRY
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In line with the international practice of having a single accreditation authority providing accreditation for laboratories as well as certification bodies, the division. expanded its existing Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme in November 1998 to form the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS).
HKAS offers two voluntary accreditation programmes, the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) and a new programme, the Hong Kong Certification Body Accreditation Scheme (HKCAS). HOKLAS provides formal recognition to competent laboratories, thereby facilitating the acceptance of their test certificates overseas. HKCAS will offer, in a phased programme, accreditation of ISO 9000 certification bodies, product certification bodies, inspection bodies and environmental management certification bodies.
Hong Kong Awards for Industry
These prestigious awards for excellence in industrial performance are co-ordinated by the Industry Department, and the annual award presentation ceremony is an important highlight in the calendar of events for manufacturers. The awards cover seven categories consumer product design, machinery and equipment design, productivity, quality, environmental performance, export marketing
performance, technological achievement. The awards celebrated their 10th anniversary in 1998. A series of publicity activities was launched to mark the occasion and to enhance public awareness of the success of Hong Kong's manufacturing industries.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
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The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Committee was set up in 1996 to identify issues affecting SMEs and suggest measures to help them develop. Its members include representatives from major chambers of commerce, trade and industry support organisations and SME practitioners. In 1998, it published a booklet recording the proceedings of the SME Day held in December 1997, and updated the Internet version of the directory on the services and facilities available to SMEs.
On the committee's recommendation, the government established a $500 million Pilot Credit Guarantee Scheme in June 1998 to help SMEs to obtain finances from lending institutions to cover pre-export expenses. It was later subsumed under a $2.5 billion Special Finance Scheme for SMEs which provides guarantees for bank loans to all sectors.
Services Support Fund
The Services Support Fund scheme aims to provide financial support for projects that will contribute to the development of Hong Kong's service industry. By the end of 1998, a total of $68 million was allocated for 40 projects undertaken by services- support bodies, trade and industry associations, higher education institutions, professional bodies and locally incorporated companies.
Industrial Support Agencies
Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) promotes productivity excellence through the provision of professional services to enhance the value-added content of products and services.
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