BOBB ав
British Overseas Trade Board
IN CONFIDENCE
In view of the likely
Malaysia where the UK had a large stake. potential there was felt to be little scope for reducing either
or the large programme spend staff resources in the market branch
missions and joint ventures undertaken gave good
in the area:
value for money.
20
Commercial department staff were busy: given the large amount of project work there was little time for initiative and It was noted however 'bread and butter' export promotion work.
that locally employed staffing levels in Malaysia seemed relatively generous.
USSR AND EAST EUROPE
21
Discussion of export promotion work, and resource requirement in this market was complicated by the difficulty in distinguishing between export promotion and commercial relations work, and because trade with Eastern Europe had substantial political as well as economic implications. Short term prospects for East/West trade had been diminished by economic difficulties in several countries and by the fall in the oil price, which meant that Soviet oil was earning less hard currency to pay for goods from the West.
and But there are good prospects in some specific product areas, scope for the UK to recover its market share in several countries.
22
Concern was expressed at the weakening of the commercial section in Moscow. Three posts were now vacant and there was no immediate prospect that Russian speakers would be available to fill them. It might be possible to employ locally or recruit a Russian speaker from the private sector. The high number of
a better balance locally employed staff in Yugoslavia was noted: with DS staff might be desirable.
In contrast Poland had
Otherwise
substantially more DS than locally employed staff. the level and distribution of staff in Eastern Europe seemed about right.
CHINA AND HONG KONG
23
China was a huge potential market where political relations were currently very good. Imports were growing. faster than envisaged in the 5 year plan. Potential had to be qualified however by shortage of foreign exchange and the need for Government to back up trade with soft loans, and by doubts over the extent to which China was likely to remain committed to trade liberalisation in the longer term. While current resources were undoubtedly justified by demand, it was possible that business tended to overestimate the opportunities available. period of substantial promotional activity a more measured approach might now be appropriate.
SOUTH ASIA
24
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After a
Total resources devoted to the area looked large in relation to exports, although it was recognised that the markets had long term potential. Market branch staff at the clerical level were
5
999-140