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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
extrusion for use by local rattan weavers. Plastic insulation of wire is also carried out.
Wood and Rattan. The manufacture of good quality wooden furniture and toys is a sizeable industry in the Colony, and Hong Kong bamboo and rattan household articles have achieved a world-wide popularity.
Wood carving in camphorwood and teak is a traditional
skill.
Aircraft Engineering. One large establishment in the Colony provides transit and technical rectification facilities for the 18 airlines using Kai Tak Airport. Facilities exist for complete airframe and engine overhaul, and work is received from 21 countries as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Miscellaneous. Traditional handicrafts such as carving in ivory, jade and other precious stones, embroidery, lace and fine needlework, the manufacture of brass, pewter and other metal ornaments, flourish in the Colony side by side with the more modern types of industries.
TRADE
The value of the Colony's external trade in 1957 was maintained at a high level; the combined value of imports and exports of merchandise trade reached $8,165.7 million which was 5% higher than that for 1956. This was, how- ever, due to a substantial rise in imports; but, although exports fell compared with 1956, they were still higher than in any other year since 1951. Cargo tonnage by all means of transport rose from 6,653,088 tons in 1956 to 6,880,885 tons in 1957.
The value of exports in 1957 was $3,016.3 million, a fall of 6% compared with 1956. Although the United States and the United Kingdom increased their purchases during 1957, this did not offset the heavy reduction in exports to Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan. Over 54% of the value of
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