TNAG-0384-FCO40-430-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-EEC-1973 — Page 76

Mr Hall (EID(E) E105)

ReferenceE

Incorporated

rednay

FA

109

#VED IN AGY No. 51

SEP 1973

28

аккыз

HONG KONG AND THE EEC'S GSP

1.

2

I have read with interest the re-drafted submission enclosed with Mr Goodfellow's minute of 20 September. In re-reading this however I was struck by the fact that any reader who is not familiar with the subject will not be fully aware of the implications of the problem right from the beginning. would suggest therefore that paragraph 1 should be re-drafted on the following lines:

2.

I

"In 1971 we agreed with the EEC Commission that Hong Kong should be omitted from the enlarged Community's GSP for textiles and footwear. Hong Kong's principad competitors among the developing countries are included. From 1 January 1974 when we align with the Community's GSP, we (and other member states) shall thus be discriminating against Hong Kong in respect of textiles and footwear in favour of her developing competitors. The Hong Kong and European sides of the Office are unable to agree whether the question of Hong Kong's exclusion should be re-opened in Brussels."

It

In the second paragraph 6 (I see there are two!) the list of Hong Kong's principal competitors is an old one and incomplete. should be the same as given in the TRD note attached as annex G to the submission. Incidentally, I see that the Philippines has been omitted from this list and should be included.

20 September 1973

сс

Mr Goodfellow, HKIOD

11. Haz &

K W Hazle

Trade Relations

and Exports Department

DD 145177 219242 500M 473 GM 3543-2