TNAG-0238-FCO40-274-Trade-relations-between-EEC-and-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 140

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THE STRAITS TIMES

Reference..

Friday, 11 September, 1970

EEC: Malaysia keeping a close watch!

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs.

MALAYSIA is keeping

"a close watch" on the possible extension of the European Econo- mic Community to try to establish some form of a link with the bloc.

The Minister of Com-

:

For

merce and Industry, inche Monamed Khir Johari, said today the Government was walling for a report from the Malaysian High Com- mission 11: Britain on its negotiations with the Bri- tish Government assistance in the matter.

He was commenting on a London report yesterday which stated that Britain had rejected Malaysia's re- quest to sponsor her ap- plication for associate membership of the EEC.

A link

However, sources here sald the Malaysian Gov- crnment was studying several steps for affiliation with the EEC.

They did not rule out the possibility of either multi- lateral arrangements OX bilateral agreements with the individual EEC member countries.

Malaysia's stand, they said, was that there should be some form of link with that economic group.

It was pointed out that Malaysia would be sending two large trade missions to the EEC area-one leaving next week and another in October

The first team to leave on Sept. 16 will be led by the Managing Director of the Pineapple Cannery of Malaysia, Mr. Teo Tiang Song. and will include 14 representatives from various industries.

The mission. which will also include the Malaysian Trade Commissioner in the Middle-East, Inche Musta- pha bin Haji Mohamed. will visit Belgium, France, Italy. the Netherlands, West Ger- many, and Britain.

The mission is likely to negotiate with the EEC for more favourable terms for Malaysian pineapples. which are now subject to a 20 per cent import duty.

Another team

Another oficial delega- Hon. to be lea by Inchc Khir, will follow up in the intter part of next month for 4 m of ist Dan PNE

member goYethurika MNL Malaysia's application for membership will be raised.

The team will also visit Eastern European Coun-

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tries to