TNAG-1056-FCO40-1306-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-EEC-1981 — Page 19

H

·

NOTE

The Trade Industry and Customs Department presents its

compliments to the Consul General of France and has the honour to refer to the quantitative restrictions maintained by France on imports of the products from Hong Kong listed in the Annex.

2.

The Hong Kong Government is of the view that the quantitative restrictions maintained by France are inconsistent with the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in thatı (a) they discriminate against Hong Kong and are in

(b)

contravention of France's ÜÁTT obligations under Artiole I

and of the provisions of Artiole XIII, in particular paragraph 1 thereof; and

they are not justified under any specific provision of the GATT and are in breach of Article XI.

The Hong Kong Government therefore considers that the benefits accruing to Hong Kong under the CATS are being impaired by the French quantitative restrictions.

3.

The Hong Kong Government is sending a similar note to the Commission of the European Communities requesting the Commission to join consultations promptly with Hong Kong under Article XXIII paragraph 1 of the GATT with a view to the immediate removal of the said quantitative restrictions. A copy of the note is attached.

4.

The Trade Industry and Customs Department avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Consul General of France the assurance of its highest consideration,

Trade Industry and Customs Department

Hong Kong

4 December 1981