ENG-1983 — Page 61

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

techniques and electronic data processing. It also organises industrial exhibitions and overseas study missions, and operates a technical information service.

The centre's facilities include nine 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.

Following the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Diversification, the centre has expanded to provide industry support services. During the year, a techno- economic study on the electronics industry was completed with specific recommendations submitted to the then Industrial Development Board. A study of the scope for designing purpose-built multi-storey factory buildings was completed by the end of the year. Funding was approved for a study of technology transfer in selected industries.

Despite the economic recession, there was a sustained demand for industrial consultancy services from a broad spectrum of the manufacturing industry, as well as the government and the tertiary industries. The centre completed more than 200 consultancy projects, including feasibility studies, production management, personnel recruitment and technical studies. In metals technology, some 1 200 heat treatment and metal finishing assignments were completed. In electronics technology, the centre carried out 20 client-sponsored consultancy projects. It also began to promote the application of microprocessors in management control and process control to upgrade the productivity of industry. In electronic data processing, several computer projects were conducted. With the installa- tion of a new computer system, work was in progress on the conversion and enhancement of an internal information data bank and financial reporting system. In environmental control, 51 projects were undertaken for industrialists.

The centre organised nearly 300 training courses, covering management and supervisory techniques; advanced programming courses and EDP appreciation courses; and a diver sified range of technology programmes for various industries. It also continued its publication programmes to provide up-to-date information on local industry, trade, employment and products; and technical news on electronics, metals and plastic household products. It organised exhibitions on microprocessor and garment technology, as well as three study missions to Japan to see the latest techniques of quality control management, die casting, and precision sheet metal stamping and die making.

As a member of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), the centre handles all APO matters on behalf of the government. During the year it hosted a basic research meeting on management systems and practices, a five-day symposium on market research on exporta- ble product development and the twenty-third meeting of heads of National Productivity Organisations. It also arranged for 44 participants to take part in training courses, symposia, seminars and workshops organised by the APO.

Other Trade and Industrial Organisations

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1861, is the oldest and largest trade and industrial association in the territory. It comprises more than 2 800 companies representing all branches of commerce and industry. The chamber is actively involved in promoting Hong Kong's trade and attracting new industries. It is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce and has been approved by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific to arbitrate in commercial disputes. The chamber provides a wide range of services to its members and to more than 6 000 non-member