TNAG-0245-FCO40-281-Exports-of-textiles-from-Hong-Kong-to-Sweden-1970 — Page 97

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G.F. 323

CONFIDENTIAL

Group D

-

Group E

29

Knitted undergarments of synthetic and artificial fibres, women's and girls' (ex 841.844)

(xii) conversion of the E/A scheme into a restraint arrangement.

Discontinuous synthetic fibre sweaters, men's and boys' (ex 841.863)

(xiii) conversion of the present E/A scheme, into a restraint arrangement included in Group A above.

Group F

Continuous and discontinuous synthetic fibre blouses (ex 841.739)

(xiv) conversion of the E/A scheme into an restraint arrangement.

146.

Additionally the Swedish side sought restraint on all the five new non-cotton items which had been included in the consult tions, namely,

1.Knitted shirts of synthetic fibres (ex 841.832)

2. Knitted undergarments of continuous m.m.f., men's and boys'

(ex 841.841)

3. Knitted sweaters of continuous synthetic fibres, men's and boys'

(ex 841.863); women's and girls' (ex 841.866)

4.Slacks, jeans and trousers of discontinuous synthetic fibres, mon 's and boys' (ex 841.719); women's and girls' (ex 841.748)

5.Woven nightgarments of discontinuous synthetic fibres,

men's and boys' (ex 841.772)

147.

Mr. Ho stated that he could not but express his surprise and regret at the scope of the Swedish requests. He referred to the recent Resolution adopted by the G.A.T.T., Cotton Textiles Committee on 17th December 1969, wherein it was stipulated that in the course of early bilateral consultations or negotiations importing countries should endeavour to offer increased export opportunities and more flexible conditions for the operation of bilateral arrangements. It appeared that Swedish intentions represented a move in the opposite direction to the C.T.C. Resolution. In addition, as far as non-cotton textile products were concerned, it seemed that the Swedish Government had introduced a new concept regarding the interpretation of Article XIX of the G.A.T.T.: that of seeking restraint on imports to forestall any possible as opposed to actual threat of serious injury.

148.

He then summarised the Hong Kong position on each item..

Cotton Items

Knitwear (Group I)

149. Mr. Ho observed that Hong Kong was almost an insignificant supplier, whereas Swedish production had in fact been on the increase, and was the highest for the last five years. Imports from E.F.T.A. countries had also increased, particularly those from Portugal. Any difficulties of the Swedish industry were not caused by imports from Hong Kong. There was no case for restraint on any sub-item or on the total group. Nevertheless, Hong Kong could consider supplying export licensing returns or even E/A schemes for a limited coverage, such as for knitted shirts.

/Woven shirts...

CONFIDENTIAL