Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council
For promotion of simplified documentation and procedures
22nd floor, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong
Tel. 5-299229
Telex: 83535 TRIND HX Cable: CHAMBERCOM
Our Ref TFC 35C
1986-09-23
YEAR MONTH DAY
香港貿易協進局
Mr E G Cowdery
Department of Trade
Overseas Trade Division 3/4
Room 130C
1/19 Victoria Street
London SW1H OET
England
Dear Mr Cowdery
I am writing to acquaint you with changes that are
affecting the Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council and to introduce myself personally.
As you probably know, the Council, since its inception in 1981, has been financed primarily by government subvention and with assistance from the private sector, with a latter in recent years providing in excess of 50% of the Council's overall income. However the government subvention was set at cost levels obtaining in the late 1970s and the amount of subvention has remained constant since the first payment was made. Despite private sector help, the Council has, over the years, incurred a substantial deficit and it has become clear that this situation could not be allowed to continue.
Discussions have been held with the Hong Kong government regarding the future of the Council, and a generous offer has been made by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce a Founder Member of the Council which has been active in trade facilitation work since the early days - to assist in minimising the operating costs of the Council. offer has been accepted by government in principle, although the exact details of government's further involvement in the Council have yet to be finalised. Council has also accepted the terms of this offer.
This
The
Without going into fine detail, the Council has now moved into premises provided by the General Chamber, which will also provide services and facilities to minimise the Council's overheads. I shall take over as Executive Director with effect from 1st October 1986 on a part-time basis and in conjunction with my continued responsibility
FOUNDER MEMBERS
Airline Operators Committee
Commissioner of Census & Statistics
Commercial Management Limited and Hong Kong/Europe Freight Conference
Director of Trade
Federation of Hong Kong Industries
Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Secretary for Trade and Industry
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong
The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce The Hong Kong Association of Banks
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
The Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong