The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd.

The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd.

Liasons with Government Departments

Visit to the Trade Department, HKSAR Government
Major issues discussed in the January 13, 1999 visit were the Harmonization of the Rules of Origin's latest development.
Visit to the Industry Department, HKSAR Government
The visit in January 18, 1999 gave way to the discussion of the industry's present situation as well as the concern on the high fees being charged by the HKTDC and HKPC.
Visit to the Trade & Industry Bureau, HKSAR Government
The Government's role in helping the watch and clock industry in exploring overseas markets was brought up in the meeting with Secretary for the Trade & Industry Chau Tak Hay last February 10, 1999.

Visit to the Trade Department, HKSAR Government

The Federation Honorary Advisor, Chairman and Vice-Chairmen visited Alan Lai, Director General of Trade and Alan Chu, Assistant Director General of Trade last January 13, 1999.

Major issues discussed were the Harmonization of the Rules of Origin's latest development. The Department wanted to know if the Federation still insisted on basing the country of origin on the watch movements so in case the Federation's counterparts decide to back down, it will in the future fight for Hong Kong manufacturers' interest in international conventions from a different angle. The Department is hoping that the long-term interest will be considered when working out a decision.

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Visit to the Industry Department, HKSAR Government

The visit to Director-General of Industry Francis Ho by the Federation in January 18, 1999 gave way to the discussion of the industry's present situation as well as the concern on the high fees being charged by the HK Trade Development Council and HK Productivity Council. The Federation is optimistic that the Department will pass this on to the Government and consider granting subsidies.

The Federation also took advantage of this opportunity to sound off the idea of an Export Promotion Fund to the Trade & Industry Bureau, an idea that the Director-General agreed to and encouraged to be brought up with the Government.

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Visit to the Trade & Industry Bureau, HKSAR Government

The visit to Secretary for the Trade & Industry Chau Tak Hay last February 10, 1999 tackled the Government's role in helping the watch and clock industry in exploring overseas markets.

Chau said that the Government's usual policy is not to directly aid the industry but to allocate funds to the HK Trade Development Council and the HK Productivity Council who are tasked to provide the necessary services. The Hong Kong government's efforts to keep its tax policies at a minimum present some limitations unlike the government of Taiwan and Korea whose high taxation policies enabled them to provide aid.

Government aid is not possible in times of economic recession and a shortage in Government reserves. The Legislative Council's Finance Committee earlier approved a HK$2.5 billion fund solely to assist small and medium enterprises during difficult times.

Chau is also willing to discuss with the HKTDC and HKPC a reduction in service fees although no commitment was made.

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