14-MAR-1991
16:09
BNC CANDENNE
JESTION
JO CTO
2.
(ii)
(iii)
8.
Imports of Hồng Kong will continue to enjoy the margins of preference granted to developing countries on some items i.e. those on which substantive duties as at 1 July 1992 will be 5% or less. (Our best preliminary estimate based on 1989-90 import figures is that Hong Kong will retain margins of preference on about 30% of its imports now entering Australia under the ASTP; and
It will not be before 1 July 1993 that margins of preference will be reduced on imports of Hong Kong and these margins will then be reduced gradually over the course of the tariff cuts.
Over half of total imports from Hong Kong entered Australia duty free in 1989-90. These imports will continue to enjoy ' duty free treatment.
9.
We would also emphasise that overall, imports of Hong Kong will benefit significantly from the unilateral reductions being made to Australia's tariffs. Notwithstanding the adjustments to some margins of preference, the average weighted tariff applying to imports of Hong Kong will be slashed by around 58% between 1988 and the year 2,000.
10. We ask that this advice be treated in confidence by Hong Kong until the Prime Minister's statement has been delivered.
هنر
4136e
TOTAL P.03
Page 135Page 136
141337Z
COMMENT:
UNCLASSIFIED
F
CANBERRA
TO PRIORITY FCO
TELNO 197
OF 130624Z MARCH 91