TNAG-0162-FCO40-198-Export-of-textiles-to-Norway-and-Sweden-1969 — Page 147

18.12.1968

MEMORANDUM

By exchange of letters of July 4, 1968, between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of Sweden a system of Export Authorizations for Hong Kong exports to Sweden of certain textile items was introduced.

In this context it was agreed that the Hong Kong Government will, on request by the Swedish Goverment at any time, discontinue the issue of Export Authorizations for any of the items concerned. It was further agreed that, if such a request is accompanied by a request for consultations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Hong Kong Government will, pending the holding of such consultations, issue Export Licences for the items concerned only in respect of those shipments covered by Export Authorizations already issued.

The Swedish Government is seriously concerned by the recent and heavy increase of Hong Kong export licences as well as of Export Authorizations issued for certain textile items, an increase which is threatening to cause serious damage to the Swedish ready-to-wear industry.

The Swedish Government has consequently decided to request that the Hong Kong Government discontinues immediately upon reception of this notice, the further issue of Export Autho- rizations for the following items:

a)

Jackets, jumpers, sweaters, cardigans and pullovers knitted or crocheted, wholly or mainly of sheep's wool (including lambs' wool); men's and boys wear. (HK stat. no 841.462).

b) Anoraks and similar jackets, not knitted or crocheted, wholly or mainly of continous synthetic fibre, women's and girls' wear (ex. 841.751).

(၁

Dress shirts, not knitted or crocheted, wholly or mainly of discontinous synthetic fibre (excluding dress shirts wholly or mainly of artificial fibre).

At the same time, the Swedish Government would request the Hong Kong Government to enter into consultations in accor-

dance with Article XXII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, with a view to finding ways of stabilizing the import situation.