FILE
MAC (21/7
H
BRIEFING FOR HMA WASHINGTON (DESIGNATE)
HONG KONG: US BUSINESS INTERESTS/INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG
General
1. During the period 1986-89 the bulk of overall US
investment in Hong Kong was in wholesale trade, banking and
other financial services. In more recent years the US has
greatly increased investment in non-traditional areas such as transportation (air and water), communications, and
retail trade, including fast food catering. The US remains
the largest overseas investor in Hong Kong. American
investment increased from HK$8,907 million (1988) to
HK$9,290 million (1989).
2.
Comparative figures for overseas investment in Hong Kong's manufacturing industries are attached. (Source:
Report on Survey of Overseas Investment in Hong Kong's Manufacturing Industries 1990, published by Hong Kong
Government Industry Department.)
US interests in new airport projects
3.
The US have won several signficant contracts in respect
of work on the new airport (PADS). The airport Master Study
Plan was awarded to Greiner (US)/Maunsell (UK) in July 1990,
whilst Morgan Stanley Asia Ltd was appointed Overall
Financial Adviser. Bechtel (UK) took the Overall Works
Management contract for the airport and related projects
(phase 1).
4. The US (Dillingham) are also represented in one of two
joint ventures led by Balfour Beatty bidding for land
construction work. A number of companies, no doubt including American ones, have been holding back, awaiting
the outcome of the airport talks with the Chinese.
BUSAKK/1
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