XN000022-1980-01-15 — Page 11

3

But we cannot, must not, be complacent:

although our manufacturing

industry is in good shape as we go into the eighties there can be no denying

the problems, the challenges ahead:

protectionism among our major trading

partners is on the increase; competition from other developing countries in

the Far East and elsewhere is undoubtedly going to increase. Fortunately

we have a lot going for us too: able and competent entrepreneurs, and a

work-force second to none for its hard work and flexibility. We have too

a much improved and improving relationship with China: there can be no

doubting our value to China in terms of helping to earn foreign exchange

and, in the long term perhaps equally important, our role yet to be fully

explored in assisting, in helping that great Country with its four

modernisations.

-

You have referred, Mr Wu, to the diversification and broadening

of our industrial base. I would have been surprised if you hadn't. To

many, diversification would perhaps mean venturing into new product groups.

But those who are associated with industry have long recognised that

diversification can and does take the form of changes and innovations

within existing product groups, in terms of both the range and the quality

of products. It is within this context that new ideas in industrial

design are of importance to industry,

The Advisory Committee on Diversification's Report contains a

number of recommendations concerning the provision of better organised

and more extensive "industry support facilities" and "technical back-up

services" for our manufacturing industries. This fine report is presently

under intensive study: it is timely: a most valuable contribution as we

go into the eighties.

/Since its.....