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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

The second main function is to provide credit advisory services for its policyholders. On request by a policyholder, the ECIC will investigate the prospective buyer's creditworthiness, the market trading environment and the terms of payment of the proposed trade and advise the policyholder on a credit limit in respect of the over- seas buyer.

Third, when a policyholder experiences payment problems, the ECIC provides a risk management service. A policyholder is advised on possible courses of action either to prevent or minimise any loss.

Other Trade and Industrial Organisations

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A number of associations have been established in Hong Kong to represent the interests of industry and commerce. Among the larger, older, and more influential associations are the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. Other important organisations include the Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council, the Hong Kong Management Association, the Hong Kong Exporters' Association, the American Chamber of Commerce, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, and the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries is a statutory body, established by the government in 1960 to promote and protect the interests of Hong Kong's manufacturing industry. It offers a wide range of services, covering certificates of origin, the Hong Kong Quality Mark Scheme, a custom-built multi-risks insurance policy, consultancy work on quality assurance, trade enquiries, and economic research.

With a membership spanning all industrial sectors, the federation services the Hong Kong Toys Council, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries Council, Transport Services Council, Hong Kong Electronics Industry Council, Hong Kong Plastics Industry Council and the Mould and Die Council. It also runs an annual Young Industrialist Award competition and is responsible for organising the consumer product design award category of the Governor's Award for Industry.

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA), established in 1934, is a non-profit-making chamber of commerce and industry. It is also a member of the International Chamber of Commerce. With a membership of over 3 600 industrial and trade establishments, the CMA is authorised by the government to issue certificates of origin. It also handles trade enquiries, organises missions, fairs and exhibitions, and is active in encouraging product development and quality improvement. The CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories provide technical back-up services, including product testing, certification, inspection and technical consultancy services. The CMA also organises various seminars and training courses. The CMA is represented on a number of major advisory boards and committees, including the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Industry Development Board. It also operates two prevocational schools to provide technical education and training for more than 2 200 students. Since 1964, it has awarded scholarships annually to outstanding students studying in universities, polytechnics and technical institutes through the CMA and Donors' Scholarships Scheme.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is the oldest internationally-recognised trade association in Hong Kong. Established in 1861, it now has a membership of over 3 000 companies representing all branches of commerce and industry. The chamber