CONFIDENTIAL
5. Much of the UK's improved market share has been due to our
recent success in negotiating contracts for a number of major
projects. Likely to be further opportunities in this field and
in those of housing and construction, programmes for which are
outstripping Hong Kong's resources of skilled labour and management.
There are also opportunities in such areas as electronics and
luxury consumer goods.
Major Projects
Castle Peak Power Stations
6. In 1977 a British group with DOI support negotiated contract
with Lord Kadoorie's China Light and Power Co (CLP) and Esso
Eastern for Castle Peak 'A' power station. Progress of construction
has been good and power station should be operational by Autumn 1982.
7. It was announced in March that contracts for another power
station at the same site, Castle Peak 'B', worth at least
£550 million, had been awarded to British companies with some
Government financial support. Contracts signed in August after
completion of negotiations over financing. One of the largest
export projects ever won by the UK. The contracts should secure
5,000 to 7,000 jobs in the UK over the next seven years.
Mass Transit Railway Island Line Extension
A
8. Initial stages of MTR were finished in 1980. UK firms involved
in tunnelling and supply of rolling stock and other equipment;
total contract worth over £290m for the main network.