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NOTE OF THE M`NTING WITH HONG KONG OFFICIALS ON FRIDAY 30 NOV ÄMBAR 1973 AT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
Present:
HỒNG KONG TRAM
DH Jordan
W Dorward
G Pears on
D Sellars
S T Kidd
BRITISH TEAM
GR Denman
PS Preston
Miss M J Lackey
Miss L Lowne
J Ingram
A C Stuart
Director of Commerce and Industry, Hong Kong
Department of Commerce and Industry
Hong Kong representative in UK
Delegation to GATT
Hong Kong Goverment Office, London
Hong Kong Commissioner (designate), London
Dep Sec Dep Sec
CRR2
CT
CRB1
HKIOD FCO
CRE1
CT
Miss C H Welch
CRE2
G Bradshaw
CRB3
CRE2
Miss J Elliott
A Hope
J N Cohen
1.
GENERAL
Mr Jordan voiced the need felt in Hong Kong for a closer working relationship with Britain now that she was a member of the SEC; it was essential to try to avoid
a conflict of interest in subjects in which Britain and Hong Kong would have to deal with others. Mr Preston agreed, saying however that rather than set up any new Hong Kong/UK structure he favoured informal talks when the need arose.
2.
GATT MULTI-FIBRE AGREEMENT
Miss Lowne was not unhopeful that agreement in Geneva might be reached by the end of the year.
A Community position was slowly emerging which could satisfy all parties. However, the real fight would come later in interpreting the words of the agreement. Mr Dorward emphasised the need to reach agreement within the Community sime failure to do so would encourage the United States to delay committing themselves to negotiation. Discussion followed on the tactical alternatives that lay open to the British team in Geneva, and it was concluded that both Britain and Hong Kong were in broad agreement on the subject.
3. HONG KONG BSC RELATIONS
S
Mr Jordan announced that in order to strengthen its relations with the Community
He would send Hong Kong intended to establish contact with each member state, Britain drafts of what Hong Kong proposed to say so that each comminication could be first agreed with HMG. The meeting was agreed on the value of Hong Kong seeking closer contact with each Community member, particularly by encouraging visits to the Territory. Miss Lackey added that it would also be worthwhile to get the other
EEC exports and member states to look at Hong Kong in terms of a useful market fœ investment.
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