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UK commitment to Hong Kong reflected in the many major UK retailers who have opened stores in Hong Kong in the last few years.
(Marks and Spencer for example are to open a sixth store in the territory in October 1993). Yet there is more to do here.
UK still the leading European exporter (6.1% of OECD exports to Hong Kong for 1992)-ahead of Germany 5.9%, Italy 4.5%, France 3.4%. UK share of total imports has however fallen to 2% (compared with 3.7% in 1985). This is in large part due to the growth of trade with, and outward processing operations in, China and the growing importance of intra-regional trade.
Trade Promotion
* Asia Pacific Rim is a priority market for British
Overseas Trade Board (BOTB) work; second only to US and Western Europe. The BOTB's Forward Plan attaches importance to promoting a better awareness in the UK of opportunities in Hong Kong and of its pivotal role in the Asia Pacific Rim.
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Future trade promotional events planned by the Hong Kong Action Committee of the Asia Pacific Advisory Group include a high profile British design exhibition in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 22-25 October 1993. MFT has agreed to open the event. There are also plans to include a Hong Kong element in the Celebration of UK Industry Year 1995/6 in the West Midlands.
Recent Export Successes
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A £550m contract for the Lantau Fixed Crossing suspension bridge was awarded to the Anglo-Japanese Consortium of Trafalgar House, Costain and Mitsui. UK content is c£250m.
A consortium comprised of Mott Connell, Norman Foster and BAA have been awarded a £40m contract to design the airport passenger terminal at Chek Lap Kok.
The Provisional Airport Authority awarded its first major contract to develop the Airport platform at Chek Lap Kok to a multinational consortium including Costains whose share of the contract will amount to £70m.
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