ENG-1989 — Page 121

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

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are designed to enable the participants to better understand the various aspects of Hong Kong's economy.

Incorporated in 1981, the Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council was set up to facilitate international trade procedures and the documentation and information flows associated with them. Its members include representatives of government, trade and industrial organisations and private sector companies. In recent years, the emphasis in trade facili- tation work has shifted from paper to the transmission of trade data by electronic means. More recently, in conjunction with the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, it was instrumental in establishing the Hong Kong Article Numbering Association Limited, which is the recognised Hong Kong authority for the issue of bar codes for product identification.

The Hong Kong Management Association was established in 1960 with the aim of im- proving the effectiveness and efficiency of management in Hong Kong. It runs management training courses, provides management consultancy services, publishes a bimonthly journal The Hong Kong Manager, offers library information and translation services, and organises seminars, forums and inter-firm competitions.

Consumer Council

The Consumer Council is a statutory body responsible for protecting and promoting the interests of consumers of goods and services. Its chairman, vice-chairman and 20 other - members - the number was increased from 15 during the year – are all appointed by the Governor from various walks of life, representing a considerable diversity of consumer interests.

Established in 1974, the council provides a comprehensive consumer protection service including consumer representation and legislation, advice and complaints, research and testing, and information and publications. It maintains close co-operation with the government through the Trade and Industry Branch and is represented on many com- mittees dealing with a wide range of consumer issues and concerns.

The year began with the council inquiring into a proposed significant increase of motor vehicle insurance premiums, following a public outcry. The study resulted in recommendations for the monitoring of the insurance industry in respect of its pricing mechanism and other related matters.

A thorough review of the functions of the council was carried out in the light of rising consumer expectations and the changing needs of society. A major area of the review was to investigate the adequacy of the existing mechanism of controls over public utilities and transport companies. A report with recommendations to expand the council's scope of functions was submitted to the government at the end of the year.

Marked progress was made in the area of consumer product safety. A government working group, with representation from the council, has been studying the international safety standards of toys and children's products with a view to adopting the relevant standards for use in Hong Kong. The proposed legislation to expand control on domestic pesticides is at an advanced stage. The Electricity Bill, which aims to delineate clearly the responsibilities of the government, the power companies, the electrical appliance trade and electricity consumers, will also enforce safety regulations on electrical products. The amended Money Changers' Ordinance came into operation and the Control of Exemption Clause Ordinance was enacted.

The council regularly conducts research into a diverse range of goods and services to assist consumers in their purchasing decisions and to alert them to potential hazards to