TNAG-0149-FCO40-185-Cotton-textiles-to-France-1969 — Page 48

Ref.: EIC 224/11/1

Dear Sir,

15 APR 1969

Commerce and Industry Department,

Fire Brigade Building,

Hong Kong.

11th April, 1969.

39

Notice to Exporters, Series 3 (E.E.C.): No. 4/69

Exports of Cotton Textiles to France

Arrangements for the period

1st October 1968 to 30th September 1969

I. Introduction

Consultations have recently been held in Hong Kong on imports of certain cotton textiles the French Government currently subject to control under Article 2 of the Long Term Arrangement (see footnote). As a result, the French Government have decided that, with the object of achieving greater import quota utilization, the Hong Kong Government should continue to participate in the administration of half of the import quota for the period 1st October, 1968 to 30th September, 1969. The remaining half of the import quota for the current restraint period will be administered in the usual manner by the French Government. The total import quota for this period amounts to 420 metric tons. The de tailed breakdown is at Enclosure 1.

II.

2.

Administration of the French half of the quota

A Notice to Importers will soon be appearing in the Journal Officiel of the French Government, inviting applications from French firms for licences to import restrained cotton textiles from Hong Kong. The se applications have to be supported by proforma invoices and evidence of utilization of previous quota. After the applications have been examined and pro-rated, where necessary, import licences with a normal validity of six months will be issued up to half the limit for each group and category. The proforma invoices for this purpose are not endorsed by this Department.

III. Hong Kong's part in administering

3.

half the import quota

In

In respect of the half of the import quota to be administered partially by Hong Kong, the French Government have undertaken to issue import licences on a first-come-first-served basis against proforma invoices endorsed by the Department. normal circumstances they will issue licences automatically, and the import licences should be issued within a few days of receipt of the endorsed proforma invoices. If substantial delays are still encountered. exporters are invited to bring specific cases to the notice of the Department for follow up with the French Authorities.

/4.

RECEIVED IN MAGERY No.51 16 APR 1969

Footnote: Article 2 of the Long Term Arrangement regarding

4K26/02/1

International Trade in Cotton Textiles makes provision for restrictions inconsistent with the G.A.T.T. on imports of cotton textiles, which were imposed by participating countries before the L.T.A. came into operation.

I LACT

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