CONFIDENTIAL
с. Сентр
(i) GATT etc
A number of Noble Lords have rightly stressed the importance of ensuring that Hong Kong's continued participation in GATT and other international arrangements and agreements. The agreement allows Hong Kong's continued participation in GATT and any successor to the present MFA. It also provides that the Hong Kong SAR will have the status of a separate customs territory.
A priority task of the Joint Liaison Group will be to consider action to be taken by the British and Chinese Governments to enable the SAR to function as a separate customs territory and to ensure the maintenance of its participation in GATT and other similar arrangements. Given the widespread international welcome for the agreement I have no doubt that our partners will show sympathy and support towards Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL