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NEGOTIATION IN THE EEC FOR HONG KONG EXPORTS
23.
What assurances can the liinister give that Hong Kong's interests in the ERC will be energetically presented? In particular, what can be done to secure similar treatment for our textile exports as that given to our competitors Taiwan and South Korea?
I can assure you that Her Majesty's Government are doing all they can to defend and promote Hong Kong's interests in the EEC.
TRADE WITH EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
24.
Is the British Government in favour of Hong Kong expanding its trade with the countries of Eastern Europe? If so, what assistance can it give Hong Kong?
I view with sympathy the efforts which Hong Kong is making to develop new markets in Eastern Europe and, subject only to observance of existing conventions in regard to trade with Communist countries, these efforts can count on our full support. In particular, Commercial Officers at British Missions in the countries concerned
will be ready to give the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council the benefit of their advice and experience in promoting trade in these highly regulated and therefore somewhat specialised markets.
LANDING RIGHTS
25.
In the negotiations with the Japanese Government over landing rights in Hong Kong for Japan Airlines there was a feeling in Hong Kong that her interests and those of Hong Kong's airline, Cathay Pacific, were largely of secondary importance in the negotiations. Remembering that the tourist industry is of increasing importance to Hong Kong, will the Minister confirm that Hong Kong's interests will always be fully taken into account?
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