ENG-2005 — Page 167

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The Standards and Calibration Laboratory is the official custodian of Hong Kong's physical measurement standards. It provides a comprehensive calibration service traceable to the International System of Units. It is a signatory to the Mutual Recognition Arrangement for National Metrology Institutes and its service is internationally recognised.

The Product Standards Information Bureau operates a public library and provides sales and a free advice service for documentary standards. The bureau represents Hong Kong SAR in regional and international standardisation bodies and coordinates Hong Kong's input to APEC on standards and conformance matters. It is Hong Kong's Enquiry Point and Notification Authority under the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.

The Hong Kong Accreditation Service grants accreditation status to laboratories, certification bodies and inspection bodies evaluated to be competent through rigorous on-site technical assessments according to international standards and best practices. Through international and regional mutual recognition arrangements in which Hong Kong participates, the results of tests, calibrations, certifications and inspections conducted by accredited organisations are recognised worldwide, thus facilitating various business and trading activities.

Human Resources, Technical Education and Industrial Training

Success in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century depends heavily upon the availability of talent and skilled manpower at all levels. Higher-level education and training are provided by the tertiary education institutions. The Vocational Training Council provides technical education and industrial training. It also administers the New Technology Training Scheme which provides financial assistance to employers for training their staff in new technologies and other technologies that are not yet widely applied locally but the application of which will significantly benefit Hong Kong. The Clothing Industry Training Authority runs two training centres for the clothing and footwear industries.

The Government oversees the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. The scheme aims to attract talented people and professionals from the Mainland to work in Hong Kong to meet local manpower needs and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in the globalised market.

Consumer Protection

Consumer Council

The Consumer Council is a statutory body which was established in 1974 to protect and promote the interests of consumers of goods and services and purchasers, mortgagors and lessees of immovable property. The council comprises 22 members appointed by the Government from a wide spectrum of the community.

The council's key activities include testing and survey programmes, complaint and advice services, consumer policy studies, publications and consumer education initiatives.