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COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The HKSAR maintains a certification of origin system to facilitate Hong Kong exports to overseas markets. The Trade and Industry Department administers this system and issues certificates of origin. In addition, the Government has designated five organisations to issue certificates of origin - the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong, Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.

Electronic Data Interchange

Electronic data interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange of business information in a standard format. It reduces the paperwork involved in trading procedures and improves efficiency. With the rapid growth of the Internet and electronic commerce world-wide, Hong Kong businesses are encouraged to embrace the use of EDI in order to remain competitive.

To promote wide use of EDI, the Government has mandated its application for certain government-related trade documents. This began with the restrained textiles export licence in 1999 and was extended to the production notification, trade declaration and certificate of origin in 2000. Development of EDI services for cargo manifests and the dutiable commodities permit is under way.

Monitoring Technology and Market Trends

The latest rounds of techno-economic and market research studies on Hong Kong's electronics and plastics industries were completed and that on the textiles and clothing industries was nearing completion.

Environmental Matters

The Government aims to assist manufacturers in gaining a deeper understanding of and complying with various environmental requirements. To this end, the Trade and Industry Department publishes annually A Guide to Pollution Control Legislation Affecting Manufacturing Industries, highlighting the legislative requirements relating to environmental protection, good environmental practices and the contact particulars of organisations that provide technical advice on compliance with the requirements.

Hong Kong Awards for Industry/Services

To promote and honour the pursuit of excellence by companies in both the manufacturing and servicing sectors, the Hong Kong Productivity Council in collaboration with the Trade and Industry Department, major trade and industrial associations and industry support bodies organises the annual Hong Kong Awards for Industry and the Hong Kong Awards for Services. The former promotes industrial excellence in design, productivity, quality, environmental performance, export marketing and technological achievement while the latter promotes services excellence in innovation, productivity, customer service, tourism services and export marketing.

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