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6.
Particularly during the period leading
up to the global negotiations, Hong Kong's
interest should continue to be focussed on
parity of treatment with her competitors, this
being the most she can hope for. It is
unfortunate, but a tribute to Hong Kong's
dynamism, that her competition remains a
ready cause of alarm to the developed
countries, whether in Western Europe,
North America or even Japan herself.
This
is likely to remain a factor with which
Hong Kong has to contend, whatever
happens.
EEC
CE Enlargement
7.
EEC
Comonaith preferences will be phased
out during the transitional period after
British entry into the Common Market, in
accordance with the agreed programme of
introducing over the period 1974-77 the
EGE's tariffs. Hong Kong's interests have
been protected by the agreement reached' in
the enlargement negotiations that she
sould be included in the generalised
preference scheme (GPS) of the enlarged
Community. As a result of this Hong Kong
has been enjoying the benefits of the
GPS offered by the Six since it came into
force in mid-1971.' Also as a result of
the EEC's offer, other countries have felt
able on grounds of burden sharing to extend
this Scheme to include Hong Kong: Moreover
the expansion of economic activity in the
UK which
enlargement should bring, will
CONFIDENTIAL
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