ENG-1969 — Page 101

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

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produce many goods in these categories the department issues, under procedures agreed with the United States authorities, what are known as comprehensive certificates of origin to cover exports of those goods to the USA and its dependencies. Goods exported under these certificates in 1969 were valued at $1,339.9 million.

Altogether 77.6 per cent of Hong Kong's exports were covered by various types of certificates of origin during the year; 50.2 per cent of them by the department's certificates.

ADMINISTRATION

The Commerce and Industry Department's responsibilities include overseas commercial relations, industrial development, origin certification, trade controls, and the collection and protection of revenue from dutiable commodities. Its work is complemented by several autonomous institutions either wholly or partly financed by official funds, whose functions and activities are outlined in subsequent sections.

There are two Commercial Relations Divisions within the department, which collect and disseminate information on trade policy measures by other countries which may affect Hong Kong, and keep in touch with the activities of international organisations. The divisions are also responsible for preparing for Hong Kong's trade negotiations with other governments and for implementing the agreements reached. This involves calculation and allocation of quotas and the operation of export control procedures.

The department's four overseas offices, in London, Washington, Brussels and Geneva, are almost entirely concerned with commercial relations work and provide up-to-date information on international matters which are likely to affect Hong Kong.

The Industry and Certification Division provides a liaison between industry and other government departments, answers industrial enquiries from overseas and deals with specific industrial problems. It also operates certificate of origin and Commonwealth preference procedures. An industry inspection service enforces these procedures through the regular inspection of factories and goods and the prosecution of those suspected of contravening the regulations.