Trade and Industry Branch Progress Report
(NB
1 August 31 October 1982
: Trade and Industry Branch was
established on 1 August 1982, and took on responsibility for most trade and industry related issues previously handled by Economic Services Branch
-
in whose progress reports these subjects were previously covered.)
Subject
Trade
Purpose
1. Textile negotiations To negotiate a
with the EEC
satisfactory
textiles
agreement with
the EEC, to
succeed the
current
agreement which
will expire on
31 December 1982
Progress made and present position
Next quarter target
The first formal round of hegotiations
held in Brussels in June was
inconclusive. A second round was held
in Brussels from 15 to 27 September,
with the Hong Kong delegation
accompanied by the full Textiles
Advisory Board. The EEC is seeking
cutbacks (10-12%), close-tb-zero
growth rate, elimination of or
reduction in flexibility, re-
categorisation, and inclusion of an
anti-surge mechanism, an outward
processing trade system, and special
provisions for circumvention.
In the light of
developments since the
last round of
negotiations, revised negotiation instructi
are being drawn up
the
next round.
for
G.F. 326
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