XN000022-1974-01-16 — Page 7

6

Wednesday, January 16, 1974

NEW TRADE DIVISION SET UP

A new trade division has been established by the Commerce and

Industry Department to deal with certification, licensing and trade

investigation matters,

Mr. Paul Wong, an Assistant Director of Commerce and Industry,

has been appointed to take charge of the new division. He was previously

head of one of the department's two commercial relations divisions. His

successor is Mr. Peter Tsao.

A department spokesman said today that the re-organisation had

become necessary because of expanding activities in a number of areas.

Part of the responsibilities of the new division has been taken

over from the department's industry division, which has come under heavy

pressure in recent months. Other responsibilities have been transferred

from the administration division.

Mr. Wong has taken up his new post after returning from a trade

conference in Bangkok.

Among his duties is the administration of the new licensing scheme

for plastic raw materials, and certification procedures for Hong Kong

products.

The Trade Investigation Branch, which also comes under his control,

deals with the enforcement of various regulations concerning trade matters.

Re-organisation of the department will enable the Industry Division,

presently headed by Mr. John Roberts, to concentrate on industrial development

matters and industrial investment promotion activities.

17