TNAG-1850-FCO40-2625-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 157

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

F: BRITISH COMMERCIAL AND OTHER INTERESTS IN HONG KONG

DOES HMG'S SPECIAL POSITION IN HONG KONG MAKE IT PARTICULARLY

DIFFICIULT TO REPRESENT BRITAIN'S COMMERCIAL INTERESTS?

No. We have a British Trade Commissioner, upgraded last year to Ambassadorial rank, whose function it is to promote British

commercial

interests.

Hong Kong is an open market. We compete on equal terms with

other suppliers. Hong Kong Government welcome British involvement

in Hong Kong, be it in projects or as a supplier of goods. But they place great importance on even handed approach to all commercial interests. Ultimately it is up to British businessmen to identify and pursue opportunities in Hong Kong market.

SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER SHOULD HAVE WIDER REMIT TO PROMOTE

BRITISH INTERESTS.

British Trade Commission's objectives are to promote British Trade with Hong Kong. Right that this should be so.

Wrong to broaden his remit in any way which could convey the impression of second, alternative source of British authority withi..

Hong Kong.

This would detract from position of Governor, and would be inappropriate precedent for post-1997 Hong Kong which is to enjoy high degree of autonomy.

?

BRITAIN'S MARKET SHARE IS FALLING.

INTEREST IN HONG KONG?

IS BRITISH BUSINESS LOS ING

British companies hiave sold more than £1bn worth of merchandise in Hong Kong in each of the last two years.

more than ever before.

Nolume) (th

This was

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