4
The meeting noted that the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Trade Department would be continuing with vigorous enforcement actions against illegal transhippers.
Since June 17, 10 categories of Hong Kong textiles products have been subject to additional import measures imposed by the US Customs.
Such measures include additional requirements in import documentation, the requirement for a single entry bond, and the requirement for joint verification by Hong Kong and US Customs of the origin of consignments. And since September 1, four more categories have been placed on a "watch list".
Hong Kong has objected to unilateral imposition of these requirements, pointing out that they are applied to the relevant products only from the territory and are therefore discriminatory.
End
Private sector urged to help waste reduction
Participation by the private sector in waste reduction, recovery and recycling schemes is vital in tackling waste problems in Hong Kong,
Speaking at a luncheon meeting today (Wednesday), the Director of Environmental Protection. Mr Robert Law, asked for support from the Liquor and Provision Industries Association.
"We look to you for ideas on how we can work together to make a meaningful impact on our growing waste problems.
"You know your business better than us, and I would urge you, therefore, to start thinking now as to what kind of waste reduction initiatives may work best for your industry." he said.
Mr Law said the amount of waste produced daily in Hong Kong was increasing at a frightening rate.
"In 1995, we produced 8,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste and a staggering 15.000 tonnes of construction waste per day.
"That is 23,000 tonnes of waste that had to be disposed of at landfills every day of the year. In terms of volume, that is very roughly equivalent to around 100 double decker buses per day," he said.