| |
Hong Kong:Garment manufacturers chose to stay on |
|
2004-10-22
|
 |
Hong Kong''s garment manufacturers, many of whom were expected to shift to the mainland once the global textile quota system is lifted next year, showed no signs of bolting.
Because China''s textile exports have been limited by quotas for years, some manufacturers chose to stay on in Hong Kong to take advantage of the territory''s separate export limits, even though manufacturing costs are higher than in the mainland.
The Trade and Industry Department revealed that it does not expect any immediate impact on Hong Kong''s garment trade from the imminent demise of the global quotas.
Trade and Industry Department Deputy Director-General, Clement Leung said the government has not seen any major change in the textile export pattern or the number of registered factories in Hong Kong.
Leung said it would take time for local garment makers to decide whether to change their operating strategies.
Leung added that even with the elimination of the quota system in January 2005, uncertainties could induce Hong Kong companies to stay put.
“It will be too early to draw a conclusion that there''ll be 100 percent free trade. Mainland China would continue to be subject to US anti-surge safeguard or anti-dumping measures, which would in some way affect the trade of goods,'''' he said.
Under the terms of China''s World Trade Organisation accession agreement, its trading partners are allowed to impose so-called safeguard quotas on mainland garment exports that have threatened to cause market disruptions.
Following the American reapplication of quotas on mainland brassieres, knit fabric and dressing gowns, Leung said a wave of similar safeguard petitions would be filed by the US domestic industry on made-in-China textile and clothing products like tops, blouses, underwear and trousers.
While these measures would not be applicable to Hong Kong, he said local manufacturers would like to maintain their production base in the city to ensure that textile exports to the US remained stable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
浙公網安33010602010414
