TNAG-0948-FCO40-1167-Effect-of-nuclear-exports-to-China-on-Hong-Kong-Guangdong-nu-1980 — Page 99

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Z.A. 19

Copp SBIC

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Note of part of a discussion in Government House at 9.30 a.m. on 29 March 1980 with Sir Peter Carey, Permanent Secretary, Department of Industry

Sir Peter Carey

Mr. Benjamin

Private Secretary

Mr. McLaren

Mr. March

H.E. The Governor

DTIC

Political Adviser

(FCC)

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H.E. said that although it was difficult to establish with any degree of certainty just what developments were being contemplated in Guandong Province generally, and in the Shen Zhen Municipality in particular, it was obvious that the opportunities for economic participation would stretch well beyond the thousand or so projects, mainly small scale manufacturing, currently believed to be in operation. It was apparent that this area was viewed by the Central Authorities in special terms, in that its proximity to Hong Kong facilitated rapid development and earned hard currency from its production at an early stage.

Sir Peter said he appreciated that some major opportunities for the UK were likely to offer and commented that he would not dismiss lightly the small to medium size project possibilities either. The problem was one of approach.

H.E. said that he had been considering sending a substantial Hong Kong delegation to Guangzhou, possibly under the leadership of Sir Y.K. Kan, in late May/early June. The purpose would be to establish at Provincial level the appropriate working relationships to allow for a flow of information on the kind of projects the Chinese authorities would wish to see developed and the extent to which they would welcome outside participation. H.E. said that if Sir Peter would like to send a senior UK official to participate in this mission, he would be most welcome.

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4.

Sir Peter said he welcomed the suggestion and

could certainly make an official available.

5.

H.E. stressed that the proposal was still tentative and that he had not yet had a chance to discuss it with Sir Y.K. Kan, let alone the Chinese authorities. The timing seemed realistic, however, having regard to the need to feed the idea in through the NCNA: and also considering Sir Y.K. Kan's other overseas commitments.

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