HMA
FROM: R A E GORDON
DATE: 15 OCTOBER 1990
YOUR DINNER FOR GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, 16 OCTOBER
Checklist
Objective: informal brainstorming to explore whether HK's contacts with OECD should be thickened up, and if so how.
Taniguchi to debrief on:
-
Sir D Wilson to map out:
-
-
July visit to HK;
next phase of dialogue with DAES.
constraints/opportunities for HK; "three China" participation in APEC.
You might then invite discussion on:
(a) full membership vs. closer links; (b) pros and cons of closer links.
(a) on full membership:
-
legal constraints;
on closer links:
(b) pros: for OECD:
G
for HK:
cons: for OECD:
for HK:
—
likely objections from Chinese (and some OECD members?).
see attached list. Mention trade, finance, investment, competition
policy, urban affairs as most promising
areas.
active involvement of free-market DAE might encourage fellow DAEs to be less reticent;
would gain a wider forum for its views; would help tie HK into international trade and payments system;
would bolster confidence post-1997; could tap OECD expertise to solve problems
(eg educational review).
might alarm Chinese, who could make difficulties over wider DAE dialogue; might give Chinese a window into OECD counsels post-1997.
might excite Chinese suspicions.
risk to GSP benefits? Manpower commitments?
151090R1.doc
RA E Gordon