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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (August 21) had exchanges with the Institution of Dining Art (IDA) to better understand the training programmes and facilities of the catering industry, as well as the latest developments in the sector in its pursuit of professionalism.
Established in 2003, the institution is the local catering industry's only organisation focusing on enrichment of professional knowledge. It is also one of the four major chambers of the sector with over 480 members managing more than 3 000 restaurants. Major IDA members have substantial managerial know-how and experience.
Mr So met IDA's representatives to exchange opinions on improving the catering industry. The institution also shared with Mr So its views on course development for nurturing the industry's managerial staff.
Mr So also visited the Tao Miao Institute of the Vocational Training Council (VTC). Located in a revitalised industrial building, the institute provides training courses in four major areas – quality, occupational safety, testing and management – for catering trade practitioners to enhance their professionalism and achieve sustainable development of the industry.
Mr So toured two exhibition halls displaying information on occupational safety and health, quality management, as well as international accreditation for the catering industry. He then visited the Tao Heung Museum of Food Culture, where visitors can have a taste of the distinct dining cultures of different countries from simulation scenes and understand the evolution of dining culture from the old kitchen utensils displayed.
Mr So said he appreciated the efforts of the catering industry in its pursuit of professionalism, which he said could contribute to the further development of Hong Kong as the culinary capital of Asia.
Ends/Thursday, August 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:26
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