TNAG-0132-FCO40-168-Tariff-preferences-for-developing-countries-1969 — Page 127

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However, the self election principle has come under fire from many quarters, e.g. Austria is worried about the political implications which could follow certain East European countries claiming developing status. Japan fears the extra competition from Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, should they be named "developing". The Austrians support Japanese insistence that preferences should not be given to the "competitive" exports of developing countries, and this idea appears to be gaining ground. It is possible that those countries with a strong claim to developing status will push this idea too, leaving Hong Kong with little likelihood of gaining much, and possibly with some difficulty in holding her present position. The EEC has suggested imposing lists of "permitted goods" against Hong Kong, in spite of the discrimination that this would involve.

Ipify.

(I. R. Murray)

13 January 1968

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