ENG-1991 — Page 124

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

conducts similar activities in Japan, looking after Hong Kong's commercial, economic and public relations interests, and in view of the growing relationship between Hong Kong and Japan, its representation has been strengthened by the establishment of a senior directorate officer to head the office in October 1991.

With the exception of Geneva, all offices act as a point of direct contact between Hong Kong and the host country, and the local media and organisations with an interest in Hong Kong. They keep under review the commercial, economic and industrial developments and official thinking on international trade policies and advise the Hong Kong Government on the likely repercussions of such developments. (See also the section on Hong Kong's Image Overseas in Chapter 19.) The Brussels, London, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo offices also contain Industrial Promotion Units which promote direct investment in manufacturing. The efforts of these offices in Europe were strengthened by the appointment of a directorate officer in mid-1991 to supervise and oversee all investment promotional activities, following similar co-ordination of the work of the Industrial Promotion Units in North America under a directorate level officer early in 1990. The Washington, New York and San Francisco offices also assist with the recruitment in the United States and Canada of administrative officers for Hong Kong. The London Office acts as a point of contact for Hong Kong Chinese communities (including Hong Kong students) in the United Kingdom and provides advisory services and assistance to them as appropriate. It also undertakes recruitment in the United Kingdom of civil servants on behalf of government departments in Hong Kong. The Marine Adviser based in London is Hong Kong's permanent representative to the international organisations. He acts as a focus in London for all technical, legal and general maritime matters pertaining to Hong Kong, particularly the autonomous Hong Kong Shipping Register which came into operation on December 3, 1990.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body responsible for promoting and developing Hong Kong's overseas trade and publicising the opportunities and advantages of Hong Kong as a trading partner.

The chairman is appointed by the Governor. The other 18 members include repre- sentatives of major trade associations, leading businessmen and industrialists as well as two senior government officials.

The council was established in 1966. Headquartered in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, it has set up a branch office in Kwun Tong and three Datashops in Tsuen Wan, Mong Kok and Central. The council has built up a network of 33 offices throughout the world. A new office was opened in Budapest in 1991.

All offices of the HKTDC handle trade enquiries, provide up-to-date trade and economic information and offer advice to businessmen interested in developing trade with Hong Kong. The overseas representatives and consultants put traders in touch with any of the 48.000 Hong Kong manufacturers and exporters registered in the Trade Enquiries Service computer. Local businessmen can also find markets for their goods through 177 000 overseas importers and buyers registered with the council.

The computerised Trade Enquiries Service of the council handled more than 271 000 overseas and local trade enquiries in 1991. The Research Department continued to publish

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