C.W. Roberts, Esq.,
.CHE 4,
Department of Trade,
Victoria Street.
P.A fels
RECT REGI.
- 7 DEC 1/16
MKK 121/548/3
26 November, 1976.
You have asked in your tel Creda 169 if I could let you know by 3 December how things were going on the joint study on opportunities for British exports.
2. As you know, I have been concerned that this exercise should be more than cosmetic, an attitude reciprocated by those on the other side. To try and ensure some practical results and assistance from the Hong Kong Government, the Chamber of Commerce and the TDC I prepared the attached memorandum for discussion at our first meeting on 23 November. I will see that you get the minutes of this meeting as soon as they are available; the following is a very brief summary of what transpired:
(i)
Paragraphs 5 (i) and (ii) of the memorandum vere agreed.
(ii)
Paragraph 6. It was accepted that this would have to be handled with care and, as a start, Jimmy McGregor is to seek the approval of his Council to approach all the members of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, wearing his CEI hat, to encourage them to seek information about British products and to pass their enquiries through hia to this office.
(iii) Paragraph 7. Both the TDC and the General Chamber of Commerce will help us with information for our market surveys.
(iv) Paragraph 9. The TDC sees no difficulty in mounting
buying missions to Britain or in encouraging interested members of selling missions to take the opportunity of a visit to Britain, or a country in Europe, to buy as well as sell. I shall be liaising with the TDC on this.
(v)
.....
15