TNAG-0245-FCO40-281-Exports-of-textiles-from-Hong-Kong-to-Sweden-1970 — Page 76

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32.

Second Session (Statistical Sub-Committee)

10 a.m.; Tuesday, 28th April. 1970

The Hong Kong industrial advisers were in attendance at this session. Because of their previous absence, Mr. Ho proposed and Baron de Geer agreed to go through briefly all the items discussed during the first session of this Sub-Committee.

Cotton shirts, knitted or crocheted (841.431)

33.

Mr. Ho remarked that during the previous session, it was pointed out that, out of Swedish production of 385 in 1969, 344 were shirts cut and sewn from knitted fabrics. He then asked Mr. Tien if this kind of shirt was also made in Hong Kong. Mr. Tien replied that he knew at least two prominent garment factories which were producing this type of shirt but the quantity was comparatively small.

Cotton night garments, knitted or crocheted (841.445) and (841.448)

34.

Mr. Ho commented that the use of a new type of fabric, that of stretch nylon with cotton pile, had become popular in the Swedish industry, and in 1969, about 60% 70% of the Swedish production of 952 was made from it. However, Hong Kong presently had no interest in this line.

Cotton undergarments (other than shirts and

nightgarments) knitted or crocheted (841.439 and 841.442)

35.

Mr. Ho observed that Hong Kong export licensing statistics showed exports to Sweden were dropping. On the other hand, Swedish imports from Denmark and Portugal, which were not under restrictions, had increased considerably in 1969. In addition, the unit cost of imports from Hong Kong was much higher than that of Denmark. He asked Mr. Tien whether Hong Kong's exports consisted mainly of underpants, or did they also include vests and tights. Mr. Tien confirmed that all of these items were included.

Cotton sweaters, pullovers, etc. knitted

or crocheted (841.461 and 841.464)

36.

Mr. Ho drew attention to the steady increase in Swedish exports as well as imports from Portugal, Finland, Italy, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Mr. Strandberg confirmed that roll neck garments which Hong Kong classified as shirts were classified as sweaters but could not say what proportion they formed of recorded production. Mr. Ho commented that this difference in classification between Hong Kong and Sweden led to difficulty in reconciling Hong Kong's export figures with the corresponding Swedish import figures.

Cotton towels, not embroidered (656.919)

37.

Mr. Ho enquired if Swedish production of towels included cotton terry jacquard towels. Mr. Strandberg thought that it did not, but he added that there might be some such towels made of linen. Mr. Tien contended that it would be natural not to restrict cotton jacquard towels from Hong Kong if they were not produced in Sweden. Baron de Geer stated that as there was no statistical distinction in respect of the various types of towels, this matter should be discussed later and in greater detail,

Bed linen (656.905 and 656.923)

38.

No further remarks.

CONFIDENTIAL

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