ENG-2016 — Page 139

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Commerce and Industry

to showcase their achievements. Hong Kong designs were displayed at Paris Fashion Week 2016 and Ambiente 2016 in Frankfurt. The development of Hong Kong comics was introduced at the 2016 Angouleme International Comics Festival in France. The Hong Kong Week 2016 in Taipei showcased works of over 50 Hong Kong fashion designers.

International Awards

CreateHK supports the participation of local creative talent and creative works in international competitions and promotional events to help them gain exposure and recognition overseas, and to raise the global profile of Hong Kong and its creative industries. As at end-2016, local creative talent and companies sponsored by CreateHK had won about 180 awards.

To recognise design excellence, CreateHK funds awards including the Design for Asia Awards, EcoChic Design Awards, Global Design Awards, Greater China Illustration Awards and Hong Kong Smart Gifts Design Awards.

Creative Clusters

CreateHK supports the promotional efforts of PMQ and the Comix Home Base, with a view to generating greater awareness of both creative landmarks. PMQ in Central provides studio shops. for young designers to display and sell their creative products, while serving as a venue for creative events such as deTour 2016. The Comix Home Base in Wan Chai celebrated its third anniversary in 2016 with a series of animation and comic-related programmes.

Film Development Council

The Film Development Council advises the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on policy, strategy and institutional arrangements for the promotion and development of the film industry; the use of public funds to support the industry; the planning, coordination and implementation of film-related activities; the industry's manpower and training needs; and the promotion of film literacy in Hong Kong. The council is chaired by a non-official member and consists mainly of members of the film industry.

Consumer Protection

Consumer Council

The statutory Consumer Council protects and promotes the interests of consumers of goods. and services and purchasers, mortgagors and lessees of immovable property. It comprises 22 government-appointed members, including the chairman and vice-chairman.

The council tests consumer products, conducts market surveys, monitors prices and trade practices, handles complaints and enquiries, advises the government and public authorities on consumer protection, and raises awareness of consumer rights. It maintains close contact with its counterparts round the world to promote and protect consumer interests, and administers the Consumer Legal Action Fund, which enhances consumer access to legal remedies.

In 2016, the council received 25,098 consumer complaints and 86,188 consumer enquiries, and completed 42 product tests, 31 surveys and 22 in-depth studies. It published the findings and disseminated practical consumer advice in its monthly magazine, Choice.

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