CO129-629-2 Arrangements for the reception of the Hong Kong delegation to the British Industries Fair 1-4-1950 - 31-7-1950 — Page 17

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forwart is the progress in the provision of essential social

services.

3. In view of Hong Kong's position as perhaps the greatest

distributing centre for a large number of other countries in

the Far East, it was gratifying to see the November trade figures

standing at an all time record of 869.9 million dollars. Since

then, owing to fresh difficulties œaused by the international

situation the trade figures have not remained at this high level.

In February importa fell by 23.6. compard with the January

imports of 345.9 million dollars and exports went down by 17.6.

compared with 445.1 million dollars in January, although I notice

that exports rose in March to 556.7 million and imports to

535.1 million dəllars, I know that there are difficulties now

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over raw materials for some of your industries, and that it will

call on the skill and energy of the business community to

surmount them. I would like to assure you as representatives

of that community that we in this country realise your diffi-

culties, which we of course are also meeting in this country.

We realise your essential needs for raw materials and we are

doing our very best to assist you to obtain them. I hope that

your own efforts to secure ch:micals and metais and other raw

materials and consumer goods in this country will be successful.

I am sure that your andeavours to show the banking, insurance,

shipping and merchanting services which Hồng Kong can offer will

form a notable contribution the Britian Industrias Fair.

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Despite the unsettled conditions in the Far Saat I am

glad to note that Hong Kong sets an example of courage and common

sense in a difficult period and I wish to repeat the assurances

that have been made before that His Majesty's Government have

every intention of discharging their responsibilities in lọng

Yong both as regards defence end the welfare of the population.

5. Before I sit down, may I wish our visitors a happy and

useful stay in our country and a pros erous future in the coming

year before the next British Industries Fir, when I hope that

many of them will be able to return here. I am convinced of

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