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new business opportunities and to strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong's business and manufacturing sectors.
Other Trade and Industrial Support 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 the most influential trade and industrial associations in Hong Kong. They 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.
Development of Testing and Certification Industry
The testing and certification industry is one of the six industries that the Government is committed to developing to their full potential. The Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) was established in September 2009 to advise the Government on the overall development strategy of this industry.
The HKCTC comprises members from the testing and certification industry, the business sector and professional organisations as well as relevant public bodies and government departments.
The Government has been working closely with the HKCTC to implement the three-year market-oriented industry development plan formulated by the HKCTC in March 2010. The dual development strategies are to make general improvements to the accreditation service and factors of production (i.e. manpower, technology, capital and land) of the industry and to promote focused development of testing and certification services in four selected trades (i.e. Chinese medicines, food, construction materials and jewellery) which offer good potential. Services being developed include authenticity testing of Chinese herbal medicines, food hygiene management system certification, product certification of construction materials and development of standard testing methods for two types of jade.
In January 2011, the Mainland allowed qualified Hong Kong testing laboratories to test four types of Hong Kong-processed products for the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) System on a pilot basis. The four types of products are toys, circuit installations, information technology equipment and lighting devices. Starting from 2012, the pilot scheme will be extended to all 22 types of products covered by the CCC System.
The Government also supports the development of the testing and certification industry through the accreditation service provided by the Hong Kong Accreditation. Service (HKAS) of ITC. The HKAS operates in accordance with international standards and is active in international and regional accreditation communities. Through its mutual recognition arrangements, the results of tests, calibrations, certifications and inspections provided by its accredited service providers are widely recognised globally, thus facilitating cross-border business and trading activities.
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