TNAG-0044-FCO40-80-Exports-to-the-Benelux-countries-aide-memoires-1967 — Page 120

0003230

•

G.F. 323

CONFIDENTIAL

to es Chairman

Benelux Side

:

Netherlands

:

:

Belgium

The Hon. T.D. Sorby,

Director of Commerce and Industry

Mr. W.P.L.G. de Boer,

Consul-General of the Netherlands,

Hong Kong

Mr. R. Verhagen,

Director,

Bi-lateral Agreements Division,

Ministry of Economic Affairs

Mr. J.F. Koops,

Ministry of Economic Affairs

Mr. H. de Bruin,

Ministry of Economic Affairs

Dr. M.J. Meijer,

Consul

Mr. C. Raulier,

Acting Consul-General of Belgium,

2.

Hong Kong

Mme. M.J. de Clercq,

Ministry of Economic Affairs

(from 10th July only)

Hong Kong Side

Mr. C.P. Haddon-Cave

Mr. H.D. Miller

Mr. P.V. Dodge

Mr. J.H. Martin

Mr. K.H. Yeung

Mr. A.L. Purves

Opening Session : 4.00 p.m.. Wednesday.

5th July, 1967

Mr. Sorby welcomed the Benelux delegation.

He emphasised

the importance of the Benelux as trading partners for Hong Kong: total trade in 1966 had amounted to £34 million of which domestic exports from Hong Kong accounted for £9 million including cotton textiles worth £2 million.

2.

SEO

He welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate Hong Kong's ability to manufacture and to export. His Government were concerned with upholding Hong Kong's trading rights under the G.A.T.T. and maintaining access to markets. These considerations had added significance in view of Britain's application to join the Common Market.

13.

CONFIDENTIAL

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