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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification:
The Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification submitted the first three-year market-oriented development plan for the testing and certification industry to the Chief Executive today (March 31).
Thanking the council, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said the Administration was fully committed to developing the testing and certification industry and would carefully study its recommendations.
"Testing and certification is one of the six economic areas identified by the Task Force on Economic Challenges for having good development potential. The formulation of the three-year market-oriented development plan by the council marks a major step forward in realising Hong Kong's edge in this industry," Mr Tsang said.
The Chairman of the council, Professor Ching Pak-chung, said that the council recommended the Government to adopt a dual approach in promoting the development of the testing and certification industry, i.e. making general improvements to the accreditation service and factors of production of the industry and focusing efforts on specific trades.
Professor Ching said, "The council has considered four selected trades which would have greater potential and opportunities in promoting the use of testing and certification services. They are Chinese medicine, construction materials, food and jewellery. Two emerging trades, environmental protection and information and communications technologies, also show potential for further exploration."
He said the council would work with the relevant stakeholders to implement the various proposals.
On implementation side, Professor Ching said, "Effort will first be focused on the enhancement of the accreditation service and factors of production since they form the fundamental framework of the testing and certification industry."
Once the tasks are largely on track, the council will proceed to work on the four selected trades, for which panels would be formed to spearhead the development work.
He added that promotion of the industry through various channels in conjunction with partners like the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Productivity Council would also commence.
The Chairman thanked members of the council for their efforts in the past months and all those who had provided input and views to the council.
As announced by the Financial Secretary in his Budget Speech on February 24, 2010, $41 million has been allocated to support further development of the testing and certification industry in the coming two years.
Members of the public may view or download the report from the council's website at www.hkctc.gov.hk .
Ends/Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:10
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