ENG-1996 — Page 145

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Industrial Support Agencies

Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) promotes productivity excellence through its diverse range of consultancy services to enhance the value-added content of products and services. The HKPC is the government's representative to the Asian Productivity Organisation on productivity issues.

During the year, the HKPC introduced new initiatives in promoting people, product and process development. Two major initiatives were the expansion of its portfolio to support service industries and the formulation of a strategy to promote R&D. Other examples included the Quality Performance Improvement Programme through the HKPC-Xerox Quality Institute, the ISO 14000 (Environmental Management System) Pilot Programme, and the establishment of the Electro- magnetic Compatibility Compliance Centre, the Radio Frequency Product Characterisation and Training Centre, the Quick Response Centre, the Jewellery Technology Centre and the Clock and Watch Technology Centre.

Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation

Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation (HKITCC) is a statutory body set up by the government in 1993. Its mission is to facilitate the promotion of technological innovation and application of new technologies in Hong Kong industry. To meet its objectives, HKITCC has developed three major programmes: the Technology-Based Business Incubation Programme to nurture technology start- ups; the Technology Transfer Programme; and R&D Support and Services Programme to support research and development activities. To extend HKITCC's services, the government has accepted the case for developing a second Tech Centre.

Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation

The Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation is responsible for developing and managing industrial estates in Hong Kong. It offers land at cost to manufacturing industries which cannot operate in multi-storey factory buildings. The corporation has three estates in the New Territories: at Tai Po, Yuen Long and Tseung Kwan O, providing a total of 210 hectares of land.

External Commercial Relations

Hong Kong possesses full autonomy in the conduct of its external commercial relations. The Governor is entrusted with executive authority to conduct external relations on behalf of the territory, including the conclusion and implementation of trade agreements, whether bilateral or multilateral, with states, regions and international organisations.

Within the context of the government's free trade policy, the objectives of Hong Kong's commercial relations are to ensure that its trading rights in overseas markets are protected and its international obligations are fulfilled. The territory's success is reflected in the steady rise in the value and sophistication of its exports in recent

years.

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