TNAG-1030-FCO40-1280-Proposed-visit-by-Humphrey-Atkins--Lord-Privy-Seal--to-Hong--1981 — Page 115

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4. Other sectors where there are opportunities for import

substitution are the toy industry and the food industry although

these are both labour intensive and do not seem to offer much scope

for inward investment.

5. There is, at present, however, one additional factor which is

giving rise to interest in inward investment - the new Nationality

Act. Concern in the Colony about the Act's effects on Hong Kong

citizens has led some Hong Kong businessmen to consider that invest-

ment in the United Kingdom is the most effective way to cement links

with this country and thereby circumvent the perceived effects of

the Act.

6. Against this background the Invest in Britain Bureau (IBB) has

maintained a watching brief on activities within the Colony, and

recent contacts with Hong Kong banks and others indicate that there

A visit by is now significant potential for inward investment.

IBB officials in September of this year reinforced this indication,

and IBB is now contemplating a more active promotional effort in the

area. Such increased effort by IBB may lead to increased activity

by territorial, regional and local organisations, and IBB is

seeking to establish an effective pattern of co-ordination for these

activities. A background brief is attached.

Invest in Britain Bureau December 1981

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