First meeting of Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (with photos/video)

First meeting of Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (with photos/video)
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     The priority task of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification was to work with the industry to formulate a three-year market-oriented development plan within six months for consideration by the Chief Executive, council chairman Professor Ching Pak-chung, said today (September 29).

     Speaking after the council's first meeting, Professor Ching said, "The council will look into various important areas, including enhancing the competitiveness of the testing and certification industry; providing greater support to the industry through the Hong Kong Accreditation Service; strengthening manpower training and upgrading professional standards, as well as promoting testing and certification services in Hong Kong, the Mainland and other places.

     "When we study these areas, the council will consider views from the industry and the relevant stakeholders," he said.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, attended the meeting. She said the Government attached great importance to and staunchly supported the industry and the council.

     Mrs Lau said, "Testing and certification is one of six economic areas with good potential identified by the Task Force on Economic Challenges for support and development. The Chief Executive's decision to establish the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification is to pursue the enhancement of professional standards and recognition of the industry in the international arena.

     "The local testing industry has established a good reputation in the region in terms of its professionalism, integrity and knowledge of the international market. I hope these good potentials will be further developed by the industry," she said.

     Mrs Lau said that in addition to outsourcing half of the tests on food products by the Government Laboratory this year, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority had recently announced the transfer of the work of equipment testing and certification services to four local certification bodies accredited by the authority. The new arrangement is in line with the government policy of promoting more business opportunities for the testing and certification industry.

     The council comprises members from the testing and certification industry, business sector, professional organisations as well as the relevant public bodies and government departments. Professor Ching said he expected that with the concerted effort of the members and support from the Government, Hong Kong would become the testing and certification hub in the region.

Ends/Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:44

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