ENG-1982 — Page 47

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

Eight Commonwealth countries continue to grant Commonwealth preferential rates of duty to Hong Kong products. To support claims of preference to these countries, the Trade Department issues certificates of origin with an endorsement to show the Commonwealth content of the products. The value of exported goods covered by endorsed certificates of origin for Commonwealth preference in 1982 was $9 million.

An estimated 43.6 per cent of Hong Kong's domestic exports are covered by origin certificates of one type or another - 33.9 per cent of them by government-issued certificates. The Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council (TFC), which became an independent incorporated body in 1981 and whose main function is to simplify trade documents and procedures, is partly subvented by the government and composed of representa- tives of government, trade and industrial organisations. A number of modern methods to facilitate the preparation of trade documents was introduced in 1982. Representa- tives of the TFC also attended a series of international trade facilitation meetings held in Europe and China. These provided opportunities for Hong Kong to learn from, and exchange views with, other bodies concerned with trade documentation and trade procedures.

Trade Department

The responsibilities of the Trade Department include the conduct of overseas commercial relations, certification of origin, and export and import licensing, including textiles and reserved commodities.

On matters of policy affecting trade, the Director of Trade relies on advice from the Trade Advisory Board and the Textiles Advisory Board, through the Secretary for Trade and Industry.

The department's work is assisted by four overseas offices of the Hong Kong Government, in London, Brussels, Geneva and Washington. Details are at Appendix 2. Previously part of the Trade Industry and Customs Department, the offices are now administered by the Councils and Administration Branch of the Government Secretariat, although much of their business remains trade related. They represent Hong Kong's commercial relations interests on a day-to-day basis and provide information on international developments which may affect Hong Kong. During the year, the decision to establish a further office - in New York was announced.

The Director of Trade is assisted by two deputy directors and five assistant directors. One deputy heads the Multilateral and North America Group while the other heads the Rest of the World and Textile Systems Group.

The Multilateral and North America Group comprises two divisions, each headed by an assistant director. One division is responsible for Hong Kong's external commercial relations and internal quota administration in respect of North America (USA and Canada) including the preparation for, and conduct of, trade negotiations, and the collection and dissemination of information on trade policy measures taken by the countries concerned which may affect Hong Kong. The second division is responsible for Hong Kong's multilateral aspects of its external commercial relations and for gathering information and formulating policy recommendations on issues affecting Hong Kong and general commercial interests.

The Rest of the World and Textile Systems Group comprises three divisions, each headed by an assistant director. One division is responsible for Hong Kong's external commercial relations and internal quota administration in respect of the EEC, Portugal, Spain and Turkey, including the preparation for, and the conduct of, trade negotiations,