GS LAPK
CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG'S FUTURE POSITION IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND
TRADE AND THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL
INTRODUCTION
During the
talks Sino-British
on the
British side
explained
to the
Chinese
future of Hong Kong,
the side
the
fundamental
particular, the
importance of the GATT to Hong Kong's economic prosperity and, in
importance of the most-favoured-nation rights
that The Chinese side agreed
of
arrangements
access for its goods. would need to be made to ensure that Hong Kong could continue to be effectively represented and its views effectively expressed within
the GATT.
2.
As
a
reflection of
Section this,
of VI
Annex 1 to the
Sino-British Joint Declaration on the question of Hong Kong makes provision for the SAR to be a separate customs territory.
provides organisations
to participate
in relevant
international
trade
agreements,
It also
international
(including
the GATT and arrangements
for the SAR
and
such trade arrangements) preferential regarding international trade and textiles.
3.
of Annex II to the
as
Joint Declaration
states that
Paragraph 4 matters for early consideration by the JLG shall include action to be taken by the two Governments
as
to en sure
(a) to enable the Hong Kong SAR to maintain its economic relations
territory, and in particular customs separate a the maintenance of Hong Kong's participation in the GATT, the MFA and other international arrangements.
(b) to
to the continued application ensure
the Hong Kong SAR of international rights and obligations affecting Hong Kong.
The
purpose
of
this Memorandum
is
to seek members'
best
course
to
be taken
to
secure
Hong Kong's
advice on the
continued
participation in the GATT and the CCC beyond 30 June 1997.
CONFIDENTIAL