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"The manufacturing activities undertaken in Hong Kong, such as R and D, product design, prototype development, material and component sourcing, tooling and making precision parts and components, and quality control are creating more value," she said.

With the retention of the higher skilled, higher value added processes, Hong Kong had become the manufacturing control centre of production across a wide geographical spread in the Asia Pacific region, Mrs Ip continued.

She added that there were Hong Kong companies which demonstrated a competitive advantage by world standards by engaging in technology-based production, citing successful examples in making electronic learning aids and high frequency digital cordless telephones, IC packaging and testing, multi-layer printed circuit board assembly, and liquid crystal display technology.

The gross output and productivity of the manufacturing sector has sustained healthy increases in the past decade, and a higher percentage of the manufacturing workforce is engaged in higher skilled and better paid jobs.

"During the period 1983 to 1993, the gross output of our manufacturing and productivity of the manufacturing sector increased at the average growth rates of 6.2 per cent and 14.4 per cent respectively," said Mrs Ip.

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Supplementary Labour Scheme

In response to press enquiries, the acting Secretary for Education and Manpower, Miss Jacqueline Willis, today (Thursday) said discussions with Legislative. Councillors, members of the Labour Advisory Board, employee and employer representatives on the proposed Supplementary Labour Scheme had reached an advance stage.

"We will be putting forward our proposal to the Executive Council very soon."... Miss Willis said.

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