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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (June 26) continued his visits to companies and establishments in the six priority economic sectors identified by the Task Force on Economic Challenges (TFEC).
Mr Tsang's focus today was on testing and certification, innovation and technology as well as environmental industry.
He started with SGS Hong Kong Ltd, which was founded in 1959 to provide comprehensive services in inspection, verification, testing, and certification.
The company is particularly strong in consumer products testing and is one of the leading textiles and toys laboratories in the world.
Mr Tsang learnt that the company, with its advanced technology, is able to perform sophisticated analyses such as those involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in consumer products as well as pesticide residues in food and Chinese medicine.
"These are the new growth areas in the industry and I am happy to see that the company is quick in developing new test methods to respond to market needs," the Chief Executive said.
To sustain the growth of the industry, the TFEC has proposed to set up a Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification to map out a market driven development strategy for the industry and explore business opportunities.
"Recognition by the Mainland of our accredited laboratories' test reports will be a big boost for our industry in its search for new markets.
"We will discuss with the Mainland authorities through the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) framework," Mr Tsang said, adding that vocational training would be strengthened to nurture talent for the industry.
The Chief Executive then proceeded to AppoTech Limited which specialises in system-on-chip.
The company, based on its self-designed IC, has developed application solutions in the areas of video, audio, telecommunications and home appliances such as digital photo frames, USB phones, and auto MP3.
It moved into the Hong Kong Science Park (Park) in 2003. Through the park's incubation programme, it received a comprehensive package of assistance, including free rent for the first year and access to electronic equipment and computer software at a low cost.
"I am thrilled to learn that the company has grown from a team of four to more than 100. It has become profitable after just three years in operation with an impressive revenue growth rate at 400% in 2008.
"While its success story is most encouraging to technology start-ups, the company is also a shinning example of Hong Kong's edge in innovation and technological development.
"To drive the growth of the industry, we will explore new financial or tax incentives to encourage the private sector to step up research and development," Mr Tsang said.
He noted that the Government would continue to foster innovation and technology development through the provision of world-class technological infrastructure, funding of applied research projects, strengthening of co-operation with the Mainland and promotion of an innovative culture.
The visit today ended at the United Luminous International (Holdings) Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company with more than 20 years of experience in LED technology and application.
At its showroom in the park, Mr Tsang saw a wide variety of LED products ranging from home and office lighting, LED media displays and traffic lights to rear lights of cars.
"The wide application of LED is amazing. It means there is huge potential in this business. The Government will stop procuring tungsten filament lamps. LED, with its low energy consumption and long service life, is definitely one of our choices for energy efficient lighting," Mr Tsang said.
Mr Tsang pledged that the Government would take the lead in building Hong Kong into a green city. Legislating to facilitate behavioural change aside, the Government would set an example by expanding the scope of green procurement and formulating guidelines and providing new resources to encourage departments to procure green products.
"This will create business opportunities for our environmental industry, and in the medium term, we will assist them to expand their Mainland market through participation in environmental, infrastructure and Clean Development Mechanism projects," the Chief Executive said.
Ends/Friday, June 26, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:56
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