TNAG-1459-FCO40-1983-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1986 — Page 37

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China. They comprise mainly raw materials for their light industry.

The UK takes about 6.7% of Macao's exports. The United States takes 30%, Hong Kong 20%, Germany 10% and France 10%. The exports to Britain are mostly textiles and toys.

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11 I called on the Governor. He said that with the talks with the Chinese due to begin later this month he was preoccupied with the politics of the situation and had not had an opportunity to make a detailed study of the economy. However he knew the economy needed attention and this would be crucial for the future. He said it had been suggested that as an academic he has been a Professor of Anatomy - he might not be sufficiently in touch with the real world. But he thought he had had sufficient experience in his 55 years to be able to bring commonsense to bear on the problems of Macao. He saw tourism as a very important revenue earner and of course the gambling was part of this. I said the level of trade between Britain and Macao was low but worthwhile and I hoped it could be increased. He said he shared this hope and emphasised that the UK and Macao had common commercial interests in the shape of Hong Kong. [The Governor has brought a personal assistant with him from Lisbon, Miss Christina. She is probably the best point of contact for appointments.]

fuwa.

RE Holloway

6 June 1986

REH/eb

cc J D I Boyd Esq, Political Adviser

M Elliott Esq, Far Eastern Dept, FCO H J Tracy Esq, OT2, DTI

CODE 18-77

AWO Ltd. 7/84