TNAG-1483-FCO40-2037-Economic-situation-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 142

Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council

For promotion of simplified documentation and procedures

22nd floor, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong

Tel. 5-299229

Telex: 83535 TRIND HX Cable: CHAMBERCOM

Our Ref TFC 35C

1986-09-23

YEAR MONTH DAY

香港貿易協進局

Mr E G Cowdery

Department of Trade

Overseas Trade Division 3/4

Room 130C

1/19 Victoria Street

London SW1H OET

England

Dear Mr Cowdery

I am writing to acquaint you with changes that are

affecting the Hong Kong Trade Facilitation Council and to introduce myself personally.

As you probably know, the Council, since its inception in 1981, has been financed primarily by government subvention and with assistance from the private sector, with a latter in recent years providing in excess of 50% of the Council's overall income. However the government subvention was set at cost levels obtaining in the late 1970s and the amount of subvention has remained constant since the first payment was made. Despite private sector help, the Council has, over the years, incurred a substantial deficit and it has become clear that this situation could not be allowed to continue.

Discussions have been held with the Hong Kong government regarding the future of the Council, and a generous offer has been made by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce a Founder Member of the Council which has been active in trade facilitation work since the early days - to assist in minimising the operating costs of the Council. offer has been accepted by government in principle, although the exact details of government's further involvement in the Council have yet to be finalised. Council has also accepted the terms of this offer.

This

The

Without going into fine detail, the Council has now moved into premises provided by the General Chamber, which will also provide services and facilities to minimise the Council's overheads. I shall take over as Executive Director with effect from 1st October 1986 on a part-time basis and in conjunction with my continued responsibility

FOUNDER MEMBERS

Airline Operators Committee

Commissioner of Census & Statistics

Commercial Management Limited and Hong Kong/Europe Freight Conference

Director of Trade

Federation of Hong Kong Industries

Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Secretary for Trade and Industry

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce The Hong Kong Association of Banks

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

The Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong