provided for in the MFA, and, indeed to cut back imports from so-called "dominant suppliers" of whom Hong Kong is one in respect of many such categories.
These are far-reaching proposals and if accepted, would have serious implications for our textile and garment industry and, indirectly on Hong Kong's economy and social development as a whole. The future growth of our textile and garment industry would, in such circumstances, be severely limited for the next 3 to 5 years and at its very worse, all opportunities for growth would be nipped in the bud. This is particularly so because from past experience, whatever guidelines are established in the MFA as the minima, very soon it will be regarded as the maxima by the developed importing countries.
As far as we are concerned, it is all the more
unfortunate that the EEC should be the main proponent of a more restrictive MFA, bearing in mind the special constitutional relationship which exists between one of the Community's Member States and Hong Kong, and in this connection, I am aware, Sir, of the strenuous efforts which the Government, particularly the Director of Commerce & Industry, has made to represent the interests of the industry to Her Majesty's Government.
The industry itself has, of course, also not been sitting idle. Towards the end of last month, a delegation led by myself and consisting of all the Chairmen of the 13 textile and garment manufacturers' associations, visited London and made representations to inisters and senior officials of the Department of Trade, the Department of Industry and the Foroign and Comsonwealth Office, to express our concern at the policies reportedly being pursued by the EEC (and by the United Kingdon as one of its Member States) in respect of the future of the MFM.
1 should like to report here that the delegation was courteously received and patiently heard at a high level in all the Departments named and we also had the opportunity of holding informal discussions with several Members of Farliament at the House of Commons.
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