ENG-1982 — Page 59

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

The centre's facilities include seven classrooms, electronic data processing facilities, a microprocessor application laboratory, a low cost automation unit, an industrial chemistry laboratory, a metal finishing laboratory, a heat treatment unit, a die-casting unit, an environmental control laboratory, a technical reference library and an on-line information retrieval service.

With the implementation of the relevant recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Diversification, the role of the centre has been expanded from what was essentially a training and consultancy organisation to one charged with the broader responsibilities of providing industry support services.

During the year, the centre was commissioned by the Industrial Development Board to carry out the techno-economic studies on the metals and the electronics industries. Funding was approved for the expansion of the centre's microprocessor application laboratory and the expansion of the metals finishing unit as part of the metals industry development project. The centre was appointed by the government to carry out a detailed study of the scope for designing specialised multi-storey factory buildings and modifying certain industrial processes.

The response of industry to the enlarged industry support facilities approved by the Industrial Development Board was favourable. Following an active promotion campaign, there was an increase in demand for heat treatment services. Services were expanded to include the treatment of components (e.g. springs and high quality screws) in addition to the treatment of tool steels. In the field of microprocessor technology, the centre undertook 25 projects covering feasibility studies, in-plant problem solving, design and implementation of complete process control systems and the development of automatic testing equipment. It also offered a comprehensive analytical service to industry on pollution control, covering air pollution, waste water treatment, solid waste management and noise control. Two effluent treatment systems were designed for a group of leather dressing factories in the New Territories. The centre's environmental control services were also sought by major consultancies and the government, with 26 environmental control projects being completed.

During the year, the centre organised 286 training courses, covering different aspects of management; advanced programming and EDP appreciation courses; and a diversified range of technology programmes for such industries as textiles and garments, plastics, metal working, electrical and electronic products, building and construction. It completed over 230 consultancy and technical assistance projects and organised three industrial exhibitions on microprocessor technology, electronics and machine tools. It sponsored two study missions and continued its publication programmes to provide up-to-date information on Hong Kong industry, trade, employment, salaries and technology transfer opportunities.

Other Trade and Industrial Organisations

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1861, is the oldest trade and industrial association in Hong Kong and comprises over 2 800 companies covering all branches of commerce and industry. The chamber is actively involved in promoting Hong Kong's trade and attracting new industries and is represented on a number of government and other boards and committees. It is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce and has also been approved by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to arbitrate in commercial disputes.

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries, established by statute in 1960, has a member- ship broadly representative of all industries. To encourage and improve industrial design, the federation established the Hong Kong Industrial Design Council which offers practical