TNAG-0584-FCO40-717-Trade-relations-between-UK-and-Hong-Kong-(other-than-EEC)-1976 — Page 37

6

(£)

(g)

is likely to be an effective way of establishing greater interest in British products. But the Group recognise the difficulties in getting British industrial associations to meet 50% of the cost. In the

circumstances, the Trade Development Council in Hong Kong, in addition to organising purely buying missions, will persuade Hong Kong industrialists on selling missions from Hong Kong to Europe, to visit Britain to call on factories which might be able to meet their requirements particularly for capital goods. If such visits prove practicable, the Trade Development Council will liaise with the British Trade Commission on arrangements in Britain for them.

Trade promotion

The Working Party noted the possibility of British food and automobile exhibitions in Hong Kong in the reasonably near future. They accept, on the other hand, that the value of department store promotion is doubtful. The Working Group was inconclusive in its discussion of the possibility of persuading British selling missions to other parts of the Far East (particularly Japan) to call on Hong Kong. Further thought will need to be given to this idea.

Seminars

The Working Party is doubtful of the value of seminars to interest Hong Kong industrialists in British products.

Economic Services Branch

Government Secretariat

Hong Kong

25th November 1976