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Local expertise in providing high value-added services such as design of testing protocols and manufacturing processes positioned Hong Kong as a potential hub for testing and certification, the Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Andrew Lai, said today (July 10).
Speaking at the 30th anniversary dinner of the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, Mr Lai said the local testing and certification industry was well-established after a long history of development and possessed various advantages, including a sound accreditation system; high international reputation; widely recognised services; and the capability to win the confidence of overseas and local clients by acting as an independent third party in providing services to Mainland enterprises.
Mr Lai said the Government would set up the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification in three months to enhance the professional standards and global recognition of local testing and certification services. The council will work with the industry in mapping out a three-year market-oriented development blueprint within six months after its establishment.
"For medium-term measures, the Government will discuss with the Mainland authorities through the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement to seek their agreement on recognition of testing reports issued by accredited Hong Kong laboratories. The Government will also promote the services on the Mainland and overseas through the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Trade Development Council and the Government's Economic and Trade Offices," he said.
Mr Lai said the Government had been assisting the local testing and certification industry in improving professional standards and promoting its further development through the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) under the Innovation and Technology Commission.
Based on the testing standard developed by the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, the HKAS granted the first accreditation on natural "fei cui" (jadeite jade) testing in 2005. The accreditation of the HKAS boosted the retail sales volume of natural jadeite jade significantly. There are currently seven laboratories accredited to carry out jadeite jade testing in Hong Kong.
Following this success, the HKAS developed similar accreditation services on testing of diamonds and granted the first accreditation in April. There are currently two accredited laboratories and more are expected to acquire accreditation status for testing of diamonds and other gemstones to serve the industry.
In promoting innovative technologies in jewellery, Mr Lai said the Innovation and Technology Fund had supported 10 projects with total funding of $30 million. The fund also supported the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the industry in establishing the Hong Kong Jewellery Industry Technology Centre in 1995 to provide the local jewellery trades with comprehensive supporting services and assist in upgrading technologies to enhance market competitiveness.
Mr Lai said he hoped the industry would grasp the emerging opportunities brought by the financial tsunami and actively invest in opening up new technologies to facilitate industrial upgrade and enhance competitiveness.
Ends/Friday, July 10, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:55
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