· 17 -
Consultancy study on textile and clothing published
The report of a techno-economic and market research study on Hong Kong's textile and clothing industries is published today (Wednesday).
The study was commissioned by the Industry Department and undertaken by Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA), a US-based management consultancy firm. It is the third of its kind, the first one being conducted in 1986.
The present study covers textile manufacturing, clothing manufacturing, footwear manufacturing, trading and retailing, which are collectively known as softgoods industry.
Altogether, these sectors accounted for 38 per cent of domestic exports, 21.9 per cent of re-exports and 36.4 per cent of manufacturing employment in Hong Kong in 1995.
In its report, KSA analysed the major strengths and weaknesses of the industry and provided up-to-date information on market trends and global competitions.
The Chairman of the Textiles and Clothing Committee (TCC) of the Industry and Technology Department Council (ITDC), Dr Harry Lee, announced the publication of the report at a press conference today (Wednesday). A Steering Committee formed under the TCC was responsible for monitoring the progress of the study.
Introducing the report, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Mr Willie Fung said: "The consultants propose that Hong Kong companies must improve their internal capabilities, establish strong links with countries which are their major markets or sources of manufacturing and raw materials, and move towards achieving global benchmarks in every aspects of the production and operation cycle."
"To this end, KSA made a number of recommendations on improving the operating environment in Hong Kong and accelerating the development of skills and competitiveness of the industry," Mr Fung added.
Dr Lee said the TCC would carefully study the KSA report in the next few months. The TCC would formulate its own views and recommendations for the ITDC and the Government to consider.