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Mr. Mastors
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Anglo-Taiwan Trade Committee' 25VD*
Your reference:
RIH Baker Esq ATTC, London
Dear Richard
會進促易貿國英
ΤΑΙΡΕΙ
TAIWAN
Our reference: PC3
P. O. BOX 59632
11th Floor China Building
36 Nanking East Road Section 2
Taipei
Telephone 521-4116
Telex 11106 Attic
Cable Attic Taipel
9 November 1983
پر
7
Mr Edward Heath
You will have seen press reports of Mr Heath's visit in connection with the JCI convention. He delivered the main address and presented awards to the 10 outstanding JCs of the year.
Through the local JC President he let it be known that he would like to meet with a few local 'Brits' (sic), and accompanied by Mackay (Jardines), Conybeare (Swires), Laing (ICI) and Powell (PICA) I spent 45 minutes chatting with him in his room at the Grand hotel, shortly before his departure.
He referred to his many talks with PRC leaders, and the importance of China in the future. He commented that 'she' had got it wrong on Hong Kong, and that the PRC had no aggressive intentions towards Taiwan. Their view was that although the first and second reconcilliation with the KMT had failed, the third would be successful.
He was critical of countries in the region which claimed successful economic development by their own efforts, and pointed to the massive aid, huge foreign investments and access to western markets on MFN terms. He felt the west should wake up to the principles of free trade, and spent some time on the subject of Japanese deviousneɛs.
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The PRC favoured Japan, he said, because their trading houses asked what do you want and we'll make it for you, rather than the approach of this is what we have to sell and do you want it. Deng Shao-ping also drew his attention to Japanese interest rates of 4-5%, compared to the UK's of double figures. Deng also needled him on the price of Harriers, for which we quoted at some US$3 million higher than our selling price to the USA. In consequence, none has been sold.
He was interested to learn of our trade with Taiwan, and commented on British reluctance to participate at exhibitions, quoting the example of a recent food fair in provincial France where even the PRC outshone our effort. He felt that there was no reason why the UKs profile in Taiwan should be low the PRC wouldn't object, and then agreed that there were some problems. The point that there was a lack of British trading firms in Taiwan handling industrial equipment was noted, and Mackay generously agreed.
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Every effort is made to ensure that the information given is accurate; but no liability however arising. nguding lability in magigence is AIDBIES IN Ky errors o anussons r re: momater.
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