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3.
Sir A Donald emphasises (para 8) that our bilateral
relations have never been better. He highlights the
increasing number of British ministerial visits to China. During 1989, visits are in prospect by Lord Young,
Mr McGregor, Mr Baker, Mr Morrison and Lord Glenarthur.
TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales will also visit
China in November. As the number increases, it will be important to ensure that each visit is well targetted and has a clear objective. The day of the goodwill visit whose sole aim is to create a good atmosphere is over.
4.
Anglo/Chinese trade remains disappointing. A recent report by the Manchester Business School laid the blame
for Britain's poor trade performance very firmly at the door of British businessmen and their attitudes. China
remains a difficult and frustrating market for British business to penetrate. But few firms have shown the
persistence necessary to succeed. The major trade exhibition to be mounted in Peking by the Sino British Trade Council to coincide with the Royal Visit will provide British industry with a new opportunity to examine the prospects for the Chinese market. There are some encouraging signs that British industry is beginning to take advantage of the new soft loan facility extended during Mr Patten's visit last September. According to the ODA, one contract has already been signed and others are in prospect. Our consultancy programme in Science and Technology also looks set to grow from £1 million for 19 projects in this financial year to nearly £2 million in the next financial year.
/5. MVD
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