12
23.
we must not only follow
overseas markets. We must long-term competitiveness
Both these concerns lie
thinking on trade issues
All this means that
carefully developments in our also maintain and improve the of our major export industries. behind the Government's current and our strategy for industrial development.
(b)
Trade Furt
we
24.
So far as trade is concerned, the Government's main role is to do all they can to foster a free and open
trading system, and to ensure maximum access for our
manufacturers to overseas markets. These objectives the Government pursue, both through bilateral relations with governments in our major markets and multilaterally by taking part in international trade organisations,
particularly the GATT. Much valuable assistance in selling Hong Kong products is given by the Trade
their Development Council : I should like to pay tribute to
efforts.
25.
In looking at our recent excellent trading
results we must also be aware of the danger posed by
protectionist sentiment in the United States. Houses of Congress have produced versions of a Trade Bill
Both
/which