1
5
Textile
negotiations
with the U.S.
Textil
negotiations with the EEC
To ratify the new agreement
To negotiate a satisfactory textiles agreement with the EEC regarding post- 1982 exports.
limited period provided that there is a phased programme of elimination, the French offer of certain 'improve- ments' to the existing restrictions (since the second round of consultations in February) remains unchanged and falls short of what is acceptable to H.K. A fourth round of consultations has been arranged.
The new five year (1982-1987) agreement, concluded at the end of March and endorsed by ExCo in April, was ratified, with a few minor textual changes, on 23 June.
Formal negotiations were held in Brussels from 1-15 June. It is apparent that the EEC aims to achieve cutbacks (12%), close-to-zero-growth rate, elimination of or reduction in flexibility, re-categori- sation, and inclusion of an anti-surge mechanism, an outward processing trade system, and special provisions for circumvention. H.K. did not accept reduction in base levels and exchanges on other elements were largely incon- clusive. The next round is scheduled to take place in Brussels on 15th September.
Action completer
Negotiating instructions are being drawn up for the next round. The Textiles Advisory Board will accompany the HK delegation to Brussels.
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