12. Can the political will for closer EC/ASEAN relations be used to defuse some of the present tensions between the 2 groups on economic issues? How can it be manifested more effectively?
BARRIERS TO TRADE
13. IS ASEAN likely more often to concert action and if so what are the implications for British trade? Is a requirement for counter-purchasing likely to become general and if so how should we deal with it? Is discrimination likely to be used more often as a lever to extract concessions in unrelated fields?
14. What reaction has there heen to EC and UK roles in MFA negotations and the GATT Ministerial meeting in Geneva?
PROSPECTS FOR BRITISH TRADE/INVESTMENT
15. Has the recent modest improvement in British industry's cost competitiveness been reflected in its performance in South East Asia? fias the better strike record and improvements in delivery had an impact on buyers in the region? Are we offering what the customer wants? Has Britain's reputation in the market improved?
TOOLS OF TRADE PROMOTION
16. What more should BMG be doing to help exporters? Are the BOTB services at the right level, of the right kind and aimed at the right targets both in the UK and in ASEAN (taking account of the constraints on resources)? How do these services compare with those provided by competitors, particularly the EC?
17. Is the commercial staffing of posts at the right level?
18.
What value do you attach to recent Ministerial visits including businessmen (Mr Rees in September 1981 and Lord Carrington in February)?
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CULTURAL COOPERATION
19. Are we taking sufficient advantage of the revival of interest in South East Asia in the acquisition of effective English? Is the present level of British Council activity and BBC services about right?
20. How lasting will be the repercussions of raising overseas students fees?
CONFIDENTIAL
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