TNAG-1268-FCO40-1617-China-s-economic-relationship-with-Hong-Kong-Shenzhen-econom-1983 — Page 140

BACKGROUND NOTE

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1.

Before the UK's entry into the EC, Hong Kong benefitted from duty free entry into the UK under the Commonwealth Preference Scheme, which allowed her textile industry to grow and develop. It is also arguable that she gained Generalised Scheme of Preferences status earlier than China as a result of UK membership of the EC. However, neither of these would qualify as a current trading benefit arising solely from her status as a Dependent Territory.

2.

This answer has been agreed with the Hong Kong Government, the Department of Trade, ECD (E) and ERD.

Hong Kong and General Department

April 1983

Cralikan

17/4

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