The Council for Testing & Certification will formulate a three-year market-oriented development plan within six months for consideration by the Chief Executive.

Speaking after the council's first meeting today, its chairman Professor Ching Pak-chung said it will study enhancing the competitiveness of the testing and certification industry, and providing greater support to it via the Hong Kong Accreditation Service.

Other areas to be reviewed will be strengthening manpower training and upgrading professional standards, as well as promoting testing and certification services in Hong Kong, on the Mainland and elsewhere.

"When we study these areas the council will consider views from the industry and stakeholders," he said, adding with the concerted effort of council members and government support, he expects Hong Kong will become the region's testing and certification hub.

Also attended the meeting, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau said testing and certification is one of the six economic areas with good potential identified by the Task Force on Economic Challenges.

"The local testing industry has established a good reputation in the region in terms of its professionalism, integrity and knowledge of the international market. I hope these good potentials will be further developed by the industry."