TNAG-1641-FCO40-2288-Budget-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 159

11.2.87

SECRET

9

16.

The prospects for our domestic exports this year

will therefore continue as ever to be affected by events

outside our control. From previous experience we have

seen how difficult it is to assess with accuracy the

combined effect of external influences, and my export

forecasts should be interpreted against this caveat.

1987, I expect domestic exports to grow by about 7%, and

re-exports by about 13%. This would give a forecast

growth rate of slightly less than 10% for total exports,

compared with a growth rate for 1986 of about 15%.

In

17.

Private consumption expenditure is forecast to

grow by 7%, and that for Government by 6%.

SECRET