Brief No 1
Textiles
5. The re-negotiation of the EEC/Hong Kong Multi-Fibre Arrangement at the end of 1977 remains an extremely sensitive issue in Hong Kong and, unfortunately, the UK is still accused of having been in the forefront of the protectionist lobby in these negotiations. The visit provides an opportunity for the Hong Kongers to pursue their grievances. They are already focusing their attention on the next re-negotiation when the present agreement expires in 1982. The visit, however, also provides an opportunity to impress on the Hong Kong community that the agreement has some advantages to them by guaranteeing market access and modest overall growth.
Civil Aviation
6. Civil aviation tends to be an emotive subject in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government's attitude has varied from restrictionist to one of liberalism whichever affords the greater advantage. The definition of a British airline in the Civil Aviation Act 1971 is a contentious issue.
Hong Kong China Relations
7. Hong Kong has for many years been China's window on the western world and has provided between a third-and-a-half of its foreign exchange.
China's new leadership is
intensifying its efforts to extract benefits from the Colony's continued existence.
Our
relations with China over Hong Kong are excellent. China shares our interest in the Territory's stability and prosperity.
Major Projects
8. We are very keen to participate as fully as possible in Hong Kong's future major infrastructure projects. Although they are finite in number in such a small territory, they are the big money-spinners and we should be well-placed to compete for them. We have an excellent record on deliveries and they represent an important share of our trade with Hong Kong. Major projects include power stations; railway projects; roads and bridges; airports and the Guangdong nuclear power station.
Brief No 4
Brief No 6
Brief No 2
Background Paper No Ĉ
Brief No 6/1 Brief Nos/201 Brief No /2 Brief No & &