Recommendations forwarded by the Development of the Fashion Industry Steering Committee are being actively followed up by the Government.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang said today that following in-depth discussions, the committee has forwarded a series of specific recommendations on how to enhance training, improve capabilities, promote branding, and strengthen infrastructural support.

Mr Tsang said with the implementation of CEPA and the abolition of the quota system on textiles and clothing products in 2005, there will be major changes to the industry's business environment, bringing boundless opportunities and numerous challenges.

Speaking at the Federation of HK Garment Manufacturers Spring Reception, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong manufacturers have to reformulate their production and marketing strategies according to their strengths, rise to the challenges that come along, enhance their competitiveness and grasp business opportunities.

On manpower development, the committee believes training programmes should be geared towards lifting the local fashion industry from original equipment manufacturing to original design manufacturing and original brand manufacturing to maintain a competitive edge.

The expertise and technical skills of students in fashion-related disciplines should also be enhanced, with students given more exposure to the industry to broaden their cosmopolitan outlook and nurture creativity.

Structured programmes proposed

The committee proposed to organise structured programmes for short-term attachment and longer-term internship in enterprises, arrange more visits, seminars and sharing sessions among the business and academic sectors, enhance the expertise of teachers, and conduct regular reviews of fashion-related courses.

Mr Tsang said the Government is following up the recommendations with the institutions and the industry so relevant programmes can be rolled out this summer.

The committee recommended an increase in publicity for support services like providing updated market information and resources and match-making services, which are currently offered by the Government and various support organisations.

Other recommendations are to:

* publish a pamphlet on the services available;

* recruit students as fashion industry ambassadors;

* build a databank of trade-related information, publications, market research and study reports, for quick and central reference;

* maintain a depository of fabric swatches and samples of clothing accessories for the enterprises' reference;

* set up a database containing information on manufacturers, designers, material suppliers and other practitioners of the industry to facilitate match-making; and,

* work in collaboration with the industry to introduce mentorship programmes as a form of support for budding designers.

Boosting HK's fashion industry

On promoting branding, the committee focused on how to build the image of Hong Kong fashion, and discussed means to help the industry gain acclaim and recognition.

The aim is to market Hong Kong fashion in its entirety, including the products themselves and related services, to bring out its unique characteristics, which include diversity, variety and cosmopolitanism, and to project Hong Kong as a hub for the world's fashion brands.

On suggestions to develop a fashion centre, Mr Tsang said the Government fully understands the idea.

"Indeed, with the challenges ahead, it is imperative that the local manufacturing sector move up the value chain, and increase the creative and intellectual property content of products," he said.

"Creativity, novelty, design, and branding are conducive to enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong products. The Government will strive to provide appropriate support in these areas."