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SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG 29 MARCH TO 1 APRIL 1981
BRIEF NO 19: MEETING WITH SIR Y K PAO
POINTS TO MAKE
SHIPBUILDING
1. Share Prime Minister's pleasure at news of your order for ships
from Austin and Pickersgill. Hope British shipbuilders can attract
more orders from Hong Kong owners.
JOINT VENTURES
2.
Interested to hear about your joint venture with China in shipping.
Grateful for your views on prospects for joint ventures between
foreign companies and the Chinese. UK companies interested in
principle but would like to see outcome of Chinese legislation.
SHIPPING POLICY (DEFENSIVE)
3. We agree with Hong Kong in resisting UNCTAD pressures against
'flags of convenience' and freely competitive bulk shipping regime.
4.
Separate Hong Kong register not in our or Hong Kong's interest.
Would only draw further unjustified accusations from UNCTAD that
Hong Kong is itself a 'flag of convenience'.
5. Proposed negotiations with China for a Maritime Agreement must
obviously take account of Hong Kong's interests; we shall continue
to consult Hong Kong closely.
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