ENG-1980 — Page 47

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

should be given the responsibility of co-ordinating implementation of the industrial invest- ment promotion strategy developed on the advice of the Industry Advisory Board, and should continue to be responsible for dealing in Hong Kong with potential investors. To implement these recommendations, the Industrial Development Division is being expanded and strengthened. Overseas offices are being established in Europe, the United States of America and Japan, to enable greater promotional efforts to be made. Locally, a unit is being established to provide potential investors with information on statutory and other requirements for labour, environmental protection, safety and public health legislation, and on industrial accommodation, industrial support facilities, and technical back-up services.

The Commissioner of Customs and Controls is assisted by a deputy commissioner, and two assistant commissioners who head the Trade Controls Division and the Customs and Excise Service.

The Trade Controls Division is responsible for certification and trade documentation procedures, including an import and export licensing system for commodities other than textiles. It includes the Trade Investigation Branch, which undertakes the regular inspection of factories and goods, and carries out law enforcement functions, including prosecutions. The division also is responsible for handling trade complaints and controlling reserved commodities, of which rice is the most important.

A rice control scheme has been in operation since 1955. The object of the scheme is to ensure regular and adequate supplies of rice to consumers at reasonable prices. A reserve stock is maintained to safeguard supplies to the public.

The Customs and Excise Service is a disciplined force. Its work covers the protection of revenue from dutiable commodities, the calculation and collection of duty, and anti- narcotics operations in co-operation with other law enforcement agencies. The service relies on the Government Laboratory to provide analytical and advisory services. Tobacco products, liquors, denatured spirits and treated diesel oils are regularly examined by the laboratory and a close watch is maintained for adulterated products, particularly liquors. The proposal to open a new brewery using a new brewing process culminated in the enactment of amending legislation in the course of the year.

The Administration Division is directly responsible to the Director of Trade Industry and Customs, and services the departments of Trade, Industry, and Customs and Controls. It deals with personnel and the financial and general management of the department, as well as the administrative liaison with overseas offices.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a statutory body established in 1966, is responsible for promoting and developing international trade with particular emphasis on Hong Kong's exports. Its chairman is appointed by the Governor, and the 17 members include representatives of major trade associations, leading businessmen and industrialists, and two senior government officials. The council is financed by: a grant from public funds; the net proceeds of an ad valorem levy on exports and on imports other than foodstuffs; and minor income from miscellaneous sources such as advertising fees and sales of publica- tions.

The staff of the council carried out an extensive trade promotion programme in 1980, organising around 60 major international projects. These included two economic missions to Europe (visiting London, Madrid, Barcelona, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Berlin, Vienna, Stock- holm, Oslo and Amsterdam); and another to the United States and Mexico. These missions