British Shipbuilders
Continuation
- 2
The Rt. Hon. the Lord Carrington, KCMG, MC.
9 March 1981
Also of particular importance was the order for two SD14's that China Merchants Steam Navigation Co. Limited, a Hong Kong based company but controlled by the People's Republic, placed with Austin and Pickersgill last year.
I am happy to be able to tell you that the first of these ships was delivered on time last month and that the China Ocean Shipping Corporation, for whom China Merchants acted as brokers, are very pleased with her.
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In spite of the period of economic readjustment, of which we hear so much, the development of China's ocean-going fleet is clearly a continuing priority for the Chinese Government, and British Shipbuilders will therefore continue to regard China as an important market. As a follow-up to the SD14 contract, team from British Shipbuilders led by Mr Derek Kimber, visited China recently to discuss the possibility of future collaboration on a joint programme of ship construction with certain of the Chinese shipyards controlled by the Ministry of Communications. This Mission, which returned only last week, was successful in reaching agreement with the China Marine Industry Corporation on the terms on which the two parties would be prepared to collaborate. I attach a copy of this "Declaration of Intent" for your interest. Much, of course, remains to be done to translate this agreement into actual business for our shipyards, but I am very hopeful that we shall be able to build on the cordial relationships made during Mr Kimber's visit.
I hope you find the above of interest and useful in your discussions with the Governor and the leading Hong Kong shipowners whom you may meet.
I am also copying this letter to the Secretary of State for Trade, the Rt. Hon. John Biffen.
Yours sincerely,
Rabut
Attenzion
R. ATKINSON
Encl.