CONFIDENTIAL #B
2
(b) to ensure the continued application
to the Hong Kong SAR of international
rights and obligations now affecting
Hong Kong.
The purpose of this Memorandum is to seek
Members' advice on the best line of action to
be taken to secure Hong Kong's continued
participation in the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Customs
Co-operation Council (CCC) beyond 30 June 1997.
Participation in the GATT
Hong Kong's present status
3.
Hong Kong derives its GATT rights
and obligations from its position as a dependent
territory of the United Kingdom which accepted
the GATT also in respect of territories for
which its has international responsibility.
Hong Kong's current de facto status in the GATT
will therefore cease to exist after 30 June 1997
following the change of sovereignty unless some
means could be found to transmit such status
to the SAR.
4.
China is not currently a member of
the GATT but is attending its meeting as an
р
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.