ENG-1963 — Page 107

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

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are regularly produced for local use and for export. The traditional Chinese junk, slightly modified from the basic design in use for many centuries, has also found acceptance abroad as a comfortable and stable pleasure craft.

The ship-breaking industry, though still of major economic importance was not as active as in previous years, having found it necessary to cut back its activities because of a general depres- sion in world metal markets. In spite of this contraction, Hong Kong is still one of the leading ship-breaking centres of the world. Much of the scrap obtained is used in local rolling mills, which produce an estimated average of 16,000 tons a month of mild steel bars, window sections, channels, etc. This represents a large part of the requirements of the Colony's-building industry and in addition a considerable quantity of rods and bars is shipped abroad, principally to south-east Asian territories. Several rolling mills produce brass and aluminium sheets and circles, most of which are used locally for the manufacture of consumer goods. Among other heavy industries in the Colony, one which is of growing significance is the manufacture of machinery and parts. Built originally for domestic light industries, Hong Kong-made machine tools are now exported to over 70 countries. Of particular importance are plastic blow moulding and injection moulding machines, power presses, lathes and planing machines. Aircraft engineering is another important industry. One large establishment provides maintenance and repair facilities for most airlines using Kai Tak airport as well as for several national air forces. Facilities are available for complete airframe and engine overhaul, and work is received from 38 countries as far afield as Australia and Canada. The Colony also meets much of its requirements for cement through local manufacture, the raw materials being imported, with the exception of some clay and iron ore.

TEXTILE INDUSTRY

The textile and garment industry is the Colony's largest; it dominates Hong Kong's economy and deserves, therefore, special attention. About 147,000 workers, or 41 per cent of the total labour force in registered and recorded factories and industrial under- takings, were employed at the end of the year in the spinning of cotton, silk, rayon and woollen yarns, weaving, knitting, dyeing,