say that our textiles are now included in the GSP whereas before they have been excluded on principle. But a lot has been taken away with one hand, has been given with the other in that so-called extra sensitive items are still restricted. Still I think that this is a move in the right direction and it does now make it possible for us to try and get these restrictions reduced and this is what we will try to do over the next year.
Q.
Sir, now it's going to be above average next year some reasons why you make that prediction.
growth. Could you give us
G. Yes. Because I think there is going to be solid growth in America. I think there will be growth in Europe too, and so long as there is growth in trade and in demand in the rest of the world, Hong Kong is so flexible and so quick that we can keep our capacity fully occupied. It's when you get a situation of nil growth in the rest of the world that there is danger for us. So long as things are progressing we'll be all right provided we keep our wits about us, and we are very good at doing that.
Q. Sir, do you feel that there is a strong need now to better explain Hong Kong's case to both our friends and enemies overseas.
G. I think that the more important Hong Kong becomes in the world of trade, I think the more people think about Hong Kong abroad, and consequently the more important it is that what they think should be in accordance with the facts. And you will have noticed the appointment of Mr. Bray to the United Kingdom. Well, I must spare his blushes since he is sitting here, but the object of this was for there to be somebody in the United Kingdom with the knowledge and experience and indeed necessary personality to be able to mix with influential people and those who help to form opinion in the United Kingdom and answer any questions they have to put about Hong Kong. And be able to answer them in a credible sort of way, and I'm sure he'll do this admirably well. So broadly speaking, yes, I agree with your answer,I I think we must make more effort. Of course, understanding about Hong Kong is one of the spin-offs of the TDC's offices because we do have people through the TDC dotted about, particularly our major markets, and as well as helping to promote trade, inevitably they do spread better knowledge of the real conditions in Hong Kong, and I think this is helpful. But one has always got to guard against too hafd and an overdone/blicity campaign on behalf of Hong Kong. It would only redound against us.
Q. Sir,.... qu
Call you say a
few words on/
after the down all
the present relationship between the Hong Kong govemment and the Paking government.......Gang of Four, or is there any change so far in trade or other between the two governments.
things
G. Well on the point of diplomatic ́detail, of course, relations with Hong Kong are between HMG and Peking, not between Hong Kong and Peking. But relations over Hong Kong are excellent - I have never known them better, and officials of the Chinese people's govemment are uniformly helpful and constructive in their dealings over Hong Kong.