XN000022-1972-09-20 — Page 3

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لرا

Wednesday, September 20, 1972

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD FOR PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG

***

The Director of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Jack Cater, believes

the plastics industry in Hong Kong has a very bright future.

Unlike the textile industry, it is relatively "untrammelled" by

import restrictions in its major markets.

Mr. Cater was speaking this evening at a dinner marking the

15th anniversary of the formation of the Hong Kong Plastics Manufacturers

Association Limited.

He pointed out that not only is world demand for plastic products

increasing but also there is a gradual movement of demand towards better

quality and design.

Mr. Cater said that Hong Kong's industry is already well aware

of this trend but competition for marketë, both external and internal, is

also increasing.

He warned that production and export growth in future is not

going to be as easily achieved as in the past.

Manufacturers would do well if they improved their design,

utility, engineering, safety, packaging and, perhaps most important of

all, productivity.

Mr. Cater said good design is essential to saleability, but the

question of health and safety standards is a very vital one for the

plastics industry, particularly in the toys sector.

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