11. What is the future of EC/ASEAN cooperation? Can the political will for closer EC/ASEAN relations which has so often been expressed by both sides be used to defuse some of the present tensions between the 2 groups on economic issues? Have our negotiating objectives in EC/ASEAN talks been guided by strategic concerns or primarily by short-term economic considerations? Are we prepared to pay more than lip-service to ASEAN?
12. Is ASEAN likely to agree more often to concert action and if SO what are the implications for British trade? For example is a requirement for counter-purchasing likely to become general andif so how should we deal with it? Is discrimination likely to be used more often as a lever to extract concessins in unrelated fields? Can we do more to clear up problems before they reach a dangerous stage?
13. What reaction has there been to EC and UK roles in MFA negotations and the GATT Ministerial meeting in Geneva?
14.
Has the recent modest improvement in British industry's cost competitiveness been reflected in any way in its performance in South East Asia? Has the better strike record and the improvements in delivery made possible by reduced demand had an impact on buyers in the region? Are we yet learning to offer what the customer wants rather than what we happen to make? In short, has Britain's reputation in the market improved?
15. What should HMG be doing, either more or differently, to help exporters accelerate improvement or arrest decline? Are the services provided by the BOTB 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 those from the EEC?
15.
Following the recent round of inspections, the the commercial staffing of posts at the right level?
17. What value do you attach, in retrospect, to the recent Ministerial visits including businessmen (Mr Rees in September 1981 and Lord Carrington in February)?
18.
Are we taking sufficient advantage of the revival of interest in South East Asia in the acquisition of effective English as an indispensable tool? Is the present level of British Council activity and BBC services about right?
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