ENG-1979 — Page 48

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

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legislation was being maintained, and new legislation providing strengthened consumer protection was being prepared.

Trade Industry and Customs Department

The responsibilities of the Trade Industry and Customs Department include the conduct of overseas commercial relations, industrial development and investment promotion, certification of origin, trade controls, the collection and protection of revenue from dutiable commodities, and the detection of contraband.

On matters of policy affecting trade and industry other than textiles, the Director of Trade Industry and Customs takes advice from the Trade and Industry Advisory Board, of which he is chairman. It comprises senior unofficial representatives of various sectors, including commerce, industry, banking, insurance, and one senior government official. The board is appointed by the Governor and usually meets once a month. The Textiles Advisory Board, a more specialised body also chaired by the director, is consulted on matters affecting the textiles industry. It met on 32 occasions during 1979. Both these boards are served by specialist committees as the need arises.

The Trade Industry and Customs Department is made up of three parts - the Department of Trade, headed by the Director of Trade; the Department of Industry, headed by the Commissioner of Industry; and the Department of Customs and Controls, headed by the Commissioner of Customs and Controls.

The department has three overseas offices in Brussels, Geneva and Washington - and also is represented in the Hong Kong Government Office in London. The overseas offices are almost entirely concerned with commercial relations work. They represent Hong Kong interests on a day-to-day basis and provide information on international developments that may affect Hong Kong.

The Director of Trade is assisted by two deputy directors and five assistant directors. One deputy director heads the External Affairs Group and another heads the Internal Affairs Group.

The External Affairs Group comprises three Commercial Relations Divisions, each headed by an assistant director. It is responsible for the external aspects of Hong Kong's commercial relations, including the preparation for, and the conduct of, trade negotia- tions. It also collects and disseminates information on trade policy measures taken by other countries that may affect Hong Kong, and takes part in the activities of international organisations.

The Internal Affairs Group comprises an Export Control Division and a Quota Systems Division, each headed by an assistant director. The divisions are responsible for the im- plementation and administration of agreements reached in negotiations by the External Affairs Group, as well as the day-to-day operation of the Hong Kong Textiles Export Quota System.

The Commissioner of Industry is assisted by a deputy commissioner, and two assistant commissioners who head the Industry Support and Liaison Division and the Industrial Development Division.

The Industrial Support and Liaison Division assists industry in its relations with other government departments, and deals with specific issues affecting industry – such as infra- structure and the health and safety standards set in Hong Kong's overseas markets.

The Industrial Development Division promotes overseas investment in local industry by advising potential investors on Hong Kong's economy and infrastructure, and assisting