5 -
Govt committed to supporting manufacturing industries: FS
The Government is committed to supporting further development of the manufacturing industries in Hong Kong, the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (Friday).
Mr Tsang made the remark during his visit to Swire Technologies Limited, a leading integrated circuits manufacturer in Hong Kong.
"To assist local industries in moving up the technology ladder, the Industry Department is introducing various measures including the Applied Research and Development Scheme, the Industrial Support Fund Scheme, and the provision of funding support for technological collaboration with China," Mr Tsang said.
"Apart from the software, we will also continue our efforts to provide the hardware infrastructure for manufacturers to upgrade their technological capabilities and to move up the market. Projects under consideration include the fourth industrial estate, the Science Park and the second industrial technology centre," he added.
The future of Hong Kong's manufacturing industries lay in high value-added and technology-based production, Mr Tsang said.
"Our manufacturing industries have in fact grown in economic significance and sophistication through product innovation, quality improvement and increased productivity," he said.
"Hong Kong's electronics industry, in particular, was well positioned for further dynamic growth.
"There is much demand for quality products especially in the consumer electronics and telecommunications equipment fields.
"And our manufacturers have built up a sound technological base in key areas, such as integrated circuits design and packaging."
Mr Tsang, accompanied by the Director-General of Industry, Mrs Regina Ip, viewed the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility run by the Swire Technologies Limited in a "clean room" environment.
End