ENG-1970 — Page 82

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

51

The value of goods exported under these certificates during the year was $1,304.9 million.

United States law prohibits the importation on a commercial basis of certain classes of goods presumed to originate in the People's Republic of China, North Korea or North Vietnam. As Hong Kong manufacturers 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 these goods to the USA and its depend- encies. Goods exported under these certificates in 1970 were valued at $1,231.6 million.

An estimated 72.2 per cent of Hong Kong's domestic exports were covered by certificates of origin of one type or another; 44.9 per cent of them by the Commerce and Industry Department's certificates.

ADMINISTRATION

The Commerce and Industry Department's responsibilities in- clude 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