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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

The centre adopted a positive and personal approach in facilitating two-way com- munication with industry through a newly introduced Industry Liaison Scheme. During the year, the centre organised a series of liaison visits covering district boards as well as trade and industrial bodies. Open seminars and presentations were conducted for various area committees and industrial associations. Besides this, the centre organised some 330 training courses for 6 700 participants, covering management and supervisory tech- niques, advanced programming and electronic data processing appreciation courses, and a diverse range of technology programmes for various industries. It also arranged exhibi- tions on microprocessor technology, product finishing and environmental control. Four overseas study missions were organised to observe the latest technologies on the in- dustrial application of robots, quality control circles, air pollution control, and advanced tooling.

As an active member of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), the centre handles all APO matters on behalf of the government. During the year, it held a symposium on technical information mechanism and extension services for small industry, under the sponsorship of 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 2 700 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 8 000 non-member companies. These include the issue of certificates of origin, commercial carnets, endorse- ment of invoices and the processing of trade and industrial enquiries. The government regularly consults the chamber on important issues affecting trade, industry and aspects of social development.

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries is a statutory organisation of manufacturers established in 1960. It has a membership which is broadly representative of all industries. It acts as a bridge between the government and the manufacturing industries on all related matters. The federation promotes and fosters the interests of Hong Kong's manufacturing industries. Through its Design and Packaging Centre, the federation plays a promotional and educational role in developing design and packaging skills in Hong Kong. The federation also acts as a central body of manufacturers with which many national and international organisations liaise. It handles about 6 000 trade enquiries a year in assisting local and overseas buyers to locate suitable manufacturers in Hong Kong. It is also one of the government-approved certificate issuing organisations.

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong was established in 1934. It has a membership of 3 000 industrial and trade establishments. A member of the International Chamber of Commerce, the CMA has played an important role in the industrial development of Hong Kong. It is authorised by the government to issue certificates of origin. On trade promotion, it operates a trade enquiry section and sponsors trade fairs. It promotes product development and holds the annual Hong Kong New Products Competi- tion. It also provides services to introduce new technology, encourage investment and promote trade. The CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories provide a wide variety of services including product testing, certification, production and pre-shipment inspection,