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New award category for the Hong Kong Awards for Industry
The Secretary for Trade and Industry, Miss Denise Yue, today (Friday) urged manufacturers to enter the 1997 competition of the Hong Kong Awards for Industry, which is an initiative of the Government to recognise and encourage outstanding achievement in different aspects of manufacturing performance.
Speaking at a press conference, Miss Yue said a new category - technological achievement - had been introduced into this year's awards scheme. The new company- based category will be in addition to the existing categories of consumer product design, machinery and equipment design, productivity, quality, environmental performance and export marketing.
Miss Yue said the technological achievement category would be organised by the Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation.
"This new category underscores the importance of technological development and application of new technologies in Hong Kong's manufacturing sector and recognises achievements of local companies in high technology sectors," Miss Yue said.
"It serves to give timely recognition to the impact and relevance of technology in our economic progress. Technological innovation enables our manufacturers to develop better quality and differentiated products. Technological application enhances operational efficiency and improves productivity."
Inaugurated in 1989, the Industry Awards are in their ninth year.
"The Industry Awards have developed into an important annual event for Hong Kong's manufacturing sector. The scheme showcases Hong Kong's manufacturing achievements, raises the profile of the local manufacturing sector and promotes its competitiveness in international markets," Miss Yue said.
As in previous years, each category will be run by a different organisation.
The Consumer Product Design Award category, organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, encourages innovative design in consumer products.
The Machinery and Equipment Design Award category, administered by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, encourages upgrading in the design and production of machinery and equipment.