ENG-1982 — Page 38

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簡仁

Industry and Trade

FACED with a prolonged recession in many of Hong Kong's major trading markets, the manufacturing industry as a whole did well to record an overall rate of growth during 1982, although not surprisingly it was below that set in 1981.

The value of domestic exports in 1982 amounted to $83,032 million more than in 1981. =

three per cent

To streamline the government's role in industry and trade, the Trade Industry and Customs Department was divided into three separate departments from August 1, 1982 - the Trade Department, the Industry Department and the Customs and Excise Department. Also a new policy branch was created within the Government Secretariat, under a Secretary for Trade and Industry.

The responsibilities of the three new departments largely match those of the former three sub-departments in the Trade Industry and Customs Department. The Secretary for Trade and Industry has taken over from the Secretary for Economic Services policy responsibility for trade and industry, as well as for those functions of the Customs and Excise Department which relate to trade controls and the enforcement of international trade obligations. Policy responsibility for revenue protection and anti-narcotics func- tions of the Customs and Excise Department remain with the Finance Branch and the Security Branch.

Meanwhile the major factors that have given Hong Kong its international reputation as a leading manufacturing and commercial centre were maintained. Among these are the consistent economic policies of free enterprise and free trade, an industrious workforce, a sophisticated commercial and industrial infrastructure, a modern and efficient seaport that includes the world's third-largest container port, a centrally-located airport with a computerised cargo terminal, and excellent world-wide communications. There are no import tariffs, and revenue duties are levied only on tobacco, alcoholic liquors, methyl alcohol and some hydrocarbon oils. Tax also is payable on first registration of motor vehicles, except franchised buses.

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Apart from ensuring the provision of the infrastructure - either through direct services or by co-operation with privately-owned public utility companies and several autonomous bodies - the government's principal role in the economy is to provide a stable framework in which commerce and industry can function efficiently and effectively with minimum interference. The government normally intervenes only in response to the pressure of economic and social needs, and neither protects nor subsidises manufacturers.

Industrial Development and Industrial Land

Light manufacturing industries, producing mainly consumer goods, predominate in Hong Kong. About 67 per cent of the total industrial workforce is employed in the textiles,