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LORD PRIVY SEAL'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 8 TO 10 JANUARY 1982
BRIEF NO 15: MAJOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG
: ESSENTIAL FACTS
1. Hong Kong as trading partner of UK now second only to Japan in
Asia, and our 19th in world. Balance of visible trade has for many
years been in Hong Kong's favour. (In 1980 it was £290 million).
UK share of Hong Kong imports improved gradually from 1976 -
but some ground was lost in 1980. Share in 1980 was 4.9% (£560 million)
UK INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG:
2.
1979,
Hong Kong Government has for long time encouraged inflow of
foreign investment into manufacturing sector. UK investment has
in recent years fallen behind United States and Japan. Hong Kong is
establishing offices to promote inward investment in Japan, London
and US, and probably West Germany.
3.
UK EXPORT PROMOTION IN HONG KONG:
Numerous officially supported visits by British businessmen.
Large luxury and consumer goods promotion mission planned for 1982.
EXPORT PROMOTION IN UK:
4.
Department of Trade advised by Hong Kong Trade Advisory Group,
whose role is to publicise Hong Kong as important export market for
UK by various means eg meetings and seminars with trade associations.
5.
PROSPECTS:
UK's improved market share since 1976 due to success in negotiating
contracts for number of major projects. (See paragraph 7) Likely
further opportunities in same fields and in housing, construction,
electronics and luxury consumer goods.
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