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Commerce and Industry

Standards and Calibration Services

The ITC's Standards and Calibration Laboratory is the official custodian of Hong Kong's physical measurement reference standards. It provides a comprehensive calibration service traceable to the International System of Units. It is a signatory to the Mutual Recognition Arrangement of the International Committee for Weights and Measures and its calibration certificates are recognised internationally.

The Product Standards Information Bureau disseminates information relating to documentary standards. It operates a product standards library and provides sales of standards and free technical advice on standards-related matters. The bureau represents the HKSAR in regional and international standardisation bodies and encourages local experts to take part in international standardisation activities, including participation in the International Organisation for Standardisation for the development of international standards. It also acts as Hong Kong's Enquiry Point and Notification Authority under the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.

Human Resources, Technical Education and Industrial Training

The knowledge-based economy of the 21st century requires talent and skilled manpower at all levels. A variety of post-secondary education and training programmes are available in Hong Kong. The Vocational Training Council provides a comprehensive system of vocational education and training for school leavers and adult learners. It also administers the New Technology Training Scheme which provides financial help to employers to train their staff to use new technologies. The Clothing Industry Training Authority runs two training centres for the clothing and footwear industries.

Consumer Protection

Consumer Council

The Consumer Council is a statutory body 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 (including the Chairman and Vice-chairman) appointed by the Chief Executive (with the power to appoint the Vice-Chairman and members delegated to the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development) from a wide spectrum of the community.

The council's services include testing of consumer products, market surveys, price surveillance, complaint and enquiry handling, advice to the Government and public authorities on consumer protection issues, consumer education and dissemination of consumer information. It also administers the Consumer Legal Action Fund, which enhances consumer access to legal remedies.

The council's testing and survey programmes seek to provide consumers with objective and up-to-date information so that they can make informed choices. In 2012, 43 product tests, 27 survey projects and 25 in-depth studies were completed. The council publishes the findings of its product tests and surveys together with practical advice to the public through its monthly

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