ENG-2012 — Page 138

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Commerce and Industry

environmental technologies and management systems. The council helps Hong Kong manufacturers move up the value ladder through higher technology and better manufacturing processes. The HKPC is a strong promoter of 'green' manufacturing and continually introduces new technology to assist manufacturers in meeting the environmental requirements of Hong Kong, the Mainland and other countries. In addition, the HKPC continues to forge close technological collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland to help innovative industries capitalise on 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 promote the interests of, and foster relationships 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 Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) advises the Government on the overall development strategy of the testing and certification industry. The HKCTC comprises members from the testing and certification industry, the business sector, professional organisations and relevant public bodies and government departments.

The Government has been working closely with the HKCTC to implement the three-year industry development plan, formulated by the HKCTC in March 2010, which aims to make general improvements to the accreditation service and factors of production (ie manpower, technology, capital and land) of the industry and to promote development of testing and certification services in four selected trades (Chinese medicines, food, construction materials and jewellery). Services being developed include authenticity testing of Chinese herbal medicines, food hygiene management system certification, certification of construction materials and development of standard testing methods for two types of jade. In May 2012, the HKCTC set up two new panels to explore with the industry new business opportunities in environmental protection and the information and communications technology sectors.

The Mainland has gradually opened up its market to Hong Kong testing organisations and now allows qualified Hong Kong laboratories to test all 22 types of products under the China Compulsory Certification System if they are processed in Hong Kong. Supplement IX to CEPA, signed in June 2012, expands the scope of testing that can be undertaken by Hong Kong organisations to food-related certification on a pilot basis in Guangdong.

The ITC's Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) operates in accordance with international standards and is active in international and regional accreditation communities. Through its multilateral mutual recognition arrangements, the results of tests, calibrations, certifications and inspections provided by its accredited organisations are widely recognised globally, thus facilitating cross-border business and trading.

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