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technological know-how to industry could then be developed. course, it does not mean that the Government will be 'subsidising' any specific industry if the results of research are made available to the local manufacturers. In fact, Government should consider ways of asking local manufacturers who may have benefited from these researches to pay for the technology provided. In this way, the Government will only be investing in researches of a particular technology, but not subsidizing a specific industry.
This central body could provide a useful information base and even promote relevant technology locally from time to time. In addition, the body could organize seminars to promote a more intelligent use of technology than is presently done by
local manufacturers.
Adequate arrangements for technology transfer coupled with promotion of research and development at an acceptable level would provide the required vitality and strength for Hong Kong industry on the technical side. Another important requirement is the strengthening of the infrastructure to support industrial
development.
The Industry Development Board has in fact been functioning as the central body currently. In this capacity it has done significant and commendable work and must be congratulated. However, I hope it would be possible for the Board to conduct market research more regularly and intensify its activities in other areas which I have just described.
The Government's non-intervention policy is justified on many grounds but non-intervention must not be interpreted in a negative sense, especially in view of the fact that Governments of neighbouring countries are making strenuous efforts to support industrial development aiming at the international market within
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