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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited the Innovation and Technology Commission in Immigration Tower, Wan Chai, this afternoon (June 4) to gain a deeper understanding of the Commission's work.
Mrs Lam started the visit by receiving a briefing from the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Miss Janet Wong, and the directorate staff on the work of the Commission and the scope of services provided by its Quality Services Division.
Accompanied by Miss Wong, Mrs Lam then toured the facilities of the Standards and Calibration Laboratory (SCL) under the Division. She was introduced to Hong Kong's measurement infrastructure and noted that the SCL is responsible for maintaining the reference standards of physical measurements for Hong Kong. It also provides calibration services to users of measurement standards and measuring instruments to ensure measurement accuracy and proper metrological traceability.
Mrs Lam then visited the offices of the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS). She noted that the HKAS is the official accreditation body in Hong Kong responsible for providing accreditation services to local conformity assessment bodies for recognition of their competence in undertaking specific conformity assessment activities including testing, inspection and certification through various accreditation schemes. It also concludes mutual recognition arrangements with accreditation bodies in other economies to promote worldwide recognition of conformity assessment results issued by local accredited bodies to support Hong Kong's external trade.
Mrs Lam learnt that the Commission will host the next International Organization for Standardization/Technical Committee 176 Plenary Meeting in Hong Kong in November 2015. It is expected that technical experts from more than 100 economies will attend the event. The meeting will be a good opportunity for local experts to contribute and enhance their knowledge in regard to standards development.
During the visit, Mrs Lam chatted with front-line officers of the Commission and commended them for delivering services in a dedicated and professional manner. She also encouraged them to continue their good work in facilitating the development of the testing and certification industry as well as overall technological advancement in Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, June 4, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:15
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