X
CT./"
To:
SECRETARY OF STATE
From:
dti
the department for Enterprise
нив 026/3.2
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
SIR JAMES CLEMINSON DESKOFFICER
CC MR MCLAREN
MIR BURNS
copy: Minister for Trade
Mr Dell
Mr Meadway OT2
Mr Bayne
12 NOV 1990
REGISTRY
Семко
Treat
neat Leve
Mr A Tumnus
Chairman, BOTB
INDEX
3 October 1990
Thr Mcdonn
DUSS/FCO
M
Mr Davis (ED
Mr Paul
HKD
D. Domus NAD
in D.
fr
Miles
Mr Done (for x)
for
Since I visited both the Far East and the United States in one trip it is my intention to divide this report into two halves. The first half, attached hereto, will deal with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. The report on USA will follow. What follows is a summary for you, my secretary will provide a more detailed report for internal use.
Hong Kong
The Minister for Trade has reported so recently and fully on his visit to Hong Kong that it would be my intention to say little more. I am very much in agreement with all he says and there is no doubt in my mind that the Hong Kong mood is indeed more confident than it was when I was there in November last
year.
British industry still has alot to catch up in all these Far Eastern markets but I am somewhat surprised that the Minister for Trade should have received suggestions that British companies in the construction industry sector were insufficiently active. As an example of good practice, Terry Harrison, the Chairman of NEI, flew out especially for the lighting up ceremony in Hong Kong with an eye on future business. The construction contracts to be obtained are probably greater in Hong Kong than anywhere else in the world and it has been my impression that British companies are doing all they can to get in on that particular act. The point on ECGD is vitally important; you will remember that I spoke to you on the question of ECGD cover, as raised in paragraph 8 by the Minister for Trade.
I
I had an opportunity of a helicopter flight over Hong Kong and along the border and was very impressed with the capital development which is going on in near mainland China. visited United Biscuits in Shekou in the new economic zone and was very impressed both by the speed with which this development had taken place and also by the fact that UB had been able to get a factory up and running in 18 months from
B