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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

Work was being carried out on a computer-aided-design system for making garment markers. Earlier systems developed by the council, including the pattern grading system, automatic plating line controller and computerised employee data entry and surveillance system, have proved to be cost-effective tools in upgrading quality and productivity. In electronic data processing, a comprehensive management information system, a joint venture project, developed for the garment industry made good progress. The council also developed a low-cost computer-aided-design system for the knitting industry. In environ- mental management, 109 projects were carried out, covering air pollution control, waste-water treatment, noise control, solid waste management and resources and wastes recovery and recycling.

The council maintains close contact with industry through its Industry Liaison Scheme. Seminars, forums and presentations were conducted for various district bodies and in- dustrial associations. In training, the council organised 480 courses for over 8 800 people, covering management and supervisory techniques, advanced programming and electronic data processing appreciation courses, and a diverse range of technology programmes for various industries. It also organised exhibitions on clothing industry, Chinese computers and software technologies. Seventeen overseas study missions and visits were organised to observe the latest technology in various areas, including CAD/CAM, quality control, electroplating, electroforming, human resource development, metal working and electronic engineering.

As a member of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), the council handles all APO matters on behalf of the government. During the year, under the sponsorship of the APO, the council held two seminars, attended by delegates from most Asian countries, on surface technology and food processing.

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 or 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.

An independent body incorporated in 1981, the Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council was set up to promote, stimulate and assist the facilitation of international trade procedures and the documentation and information flows associated with them. Its members comprise representatives of the government, and of trade and industrial organisations. In recent years, the emphasis in trade facilitation work has shifted from paper to the transmission of essential trade data by sophisticated electronic means. In line with this trend, the council is developing a project called 'Hotline', which is a proposal for a comprehensive elec- tronic system for the transfer of data between interested parties. To keep itself abreast of developments elsewhere, the council liaises closely with other international bodies and sends representatives to attend United Nations-sponsored and other international meetings from time to time.