TNAG-0344-FCO40-380-Exports-from-Hong-Kong-to-France-1972 — Page 17

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

CONFIDENTIAL

Paper and paperboard and newspapers etc

Certain electrical equipment

Certain transport equipment

Certain clocks and watches

The list also notes restrictions which apply solely to the

following goods originating from Hong Kong:

Certain textiles and textile articles

Umbrellas and certain ceramic products

Certain electrical equipment

Certain optical and cinematographic goods

Certain toys

9. The French appear to have a lack of confidence in the

mechanisms of GATT, probably because they would in most cases

have no GATT grounds for taking action, and have rather

unconvincingly expressed fears that new Hong Kong industries

might be set up overnight to take advantage of any liberalisation

by France.

10. In the past the French have stressed the continuing

"restructuralisation" of the French industry and the need for

protective measures, and have stuck firmly to their grounds

as "admitted sinners" against the GATT. (France of course is

not alone in maintaining such restrictions. The United Kingdom

and other EEC countries also maintain residual restrictions).

Nevertheless during recent years France has gradually

moved, in general, towards the liberalisation of goods she

Movement towards liberalisation of goods from

11.

restricts.

Hong Kong however is likely to be slow due, inter alia, to

fears of "low cost" competition.

4.

CONFIDENTIAL

/12.

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