ENG-2008 — Page 166

118 Commerce and Industry

The corporation operates three industrial estates in Tai Po, Yuen Long and Tseung Kwan O, which together sit on 217 hectares of land. Developed land is provided at cost to companies with new or improved technology and processes that cannot operate in multi-storey buildings. The industrial estates have helped broaden the industry base and upgrade the technology level in Hong Kong.

The corporation nurtures technology-based and design start-up companies through its incubation programme by providing low-cost accommodation and management, marketing, financial and technical assistance in their critical first years. of operation. The corporation also implemented a

implemented a Small Technology/Design Enterprise Programme in 2006 which is still going on to provide support services and office premises to graduates of these programmes to help them become full-fledged

tenants.

Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council promotes productivity excellence among Hong Kong enterprises, providing integrated support across the value chain to innovative and growth-oriented enterprises. The council's focus is on the manufacturing sector, particularly on Hong Kong's foundation industries, and related service activities in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.

During the year, the council continued to fulfil its mission in driving productivity excellence through focused endeavours in four complementary areas, namely, manufacturing technology, information technology, environmental technology and management systems. Through the provision of technology and process upgrading services, the council has geared resources to help Hong Kong manufacturers move up the value ladder. The council has spent great effort in promoting green production for Hong Kong industries, and has continued to introduce new technology solutions to assist manufacturers to fulfil the stringent environmental requirements in Hong Kong, the Mainland and other countries. The council continues to forge closer technological collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland to help innovative industries to capitalise on new business opportunities and to strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong's business and manufacturing

sectors.

Other Trade and Industrial Organisations

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association are among the oldest and most influential trade and industrial associations in Hong Kong. They are cross-sectoral and represent a broad spectrum of business interests. They aim to promote the interests of and foster relationship among their members. There are numerous other associations representing specific sectors or interests and overseas chambers of commerce.