ENG-1995 — Page 142

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

network of 43 credit and investment insurers from 34 countries activities including meetings, workshops and consultations.

through various

In 1994–95, various new programmes were designed for implementation in 1995–96 and subsequent years, to further the ECIC's mission to encourage and support export trade through the provision of professional and customer-oriented services. For instance, the ECIC has introduced a new insurance facility to cover the risks incurred by banks acting as financiers for export trade. These activities aim at providing more responsive, innovative and cost-effective services to Hong Kong exporters.

Other Trade and Industrial Organisations

Several associations have been established in Hong Kong to represent the interests of industry and commerce. Among the larger, longer-established and more influential associations are the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Chinese Manufac- turers' Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. Other important organisations include the Hong Kong Management Association, the Hong Kong Exporters' Association, the American Chamber of Commerce, the Indian Chamber of Com- merce and the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries is a statutory body, established in 1960 to promote and protect the interests of Hong Kong's manufacturing industry. It has a membership of more than 2 600. 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 ISO 9000 quality assurance, trade marks_ and copyrights, trade enquiries and economic research. The federation services the Hong Kong Toys Council, the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries Council, the Transport Services Council, the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Council, the Hong Kong Electronics Industry Council, the Hong Kong Plastics Industry Council and the Hong Kong Mould and Die Council. It also runs the annual Young Industrialist Awards of Hong Kong and is responsible for organising the consumer product design award category of the Hong Kong Awards for Industry.

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA), established in 1934, is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce and has a membership of nearly 4000. Services rendered include the issue of certificates of origin, trade enquiries, trade promotion services, organisation of seminars and training courses, and operation of two pre-vocational schools on technical education. The CMA encourages product development and quality improvement. The CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories provide technical backup services, including materials and product testing, pre-shipment inspection and technical consultancy services. Since 1989, the CMA has been the organiser of the machinery and equipment design award category of the Hong Kong Awards for Industry.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is the oldest internationally- recognised trade association in Hong Kong and is one of the 10 largest chambers of commerce in the world. Founded in 1861, it has around 4 000 members. The chamber organises trade and goodwill missions overseas, receives in-bound delegations, and handles trade enquiries. It is authorised by the government to issue certificates of origin and is the sole local issuing authority for international Association Temporarie Admission Carnets. The chamber is represented on a wide range of official advisory committees and bodies. It founded and formed the Hong Kong Article Numbering

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