TNAG-0139-FCO40-175-Effect-of-EEC-common-commercial-policy-on-Hong-Kong-exports-1969 — Page 182

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18.

Mr. Jones added that a side-effect, not generally appreciated, of a generalized preference scheme would be that it would provide an 1.d.c. with the chance to diversify its industry. If it was true that Hong Kong's exports were concentrated on too narrow a range of products preferences on

Mr. Jones new products could help her to broaden her industrial base. concluded by stressing that, apart from the Hong Kong Government, the U.K. Government also was seriously concerned with Hong Kong's status in the generalized preferences issue. He said this view had been conveyed to Mr. di Martino of the Commission by Mr. Goldsmith of the Board of Trade.

19.

Mr. Ernst thanked Mr. Jones and his colleagues for their comments. He said, although he understood that the meeting was not intended to be any more than an informal exchange of views, he had found it to be very useful and he would discuss the issues which had been raised with his colleagues when the opportunity arose. He expressed the hope that other occasions would arise when Commission representatives could discuss current issues with representatives of the Hong Kong Government on the same sort of basis. Mr. Jones replied that the Hong Kong side had also found the meeting to be of considerable help and he thanked. Mr. Ernst for taking the trouble to visit Hong Kong on his way back to Eruope from Japan. He hoped that he had enjoyed his stay and wished him a pleasant journey home.

Commerce and Industry Department,

Fire Brigade Building,

Hong Kong.

12th June, 1969.

CONFIDENTIAL