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Background
1.
The Hong Kong Government is in the process of setting up a number of economic and trade offices, separate from our
Embassies or Commissions. The aim is to enable the Hong
Kong SAR to conduct its own economic and trade relations
after 1997, in accordance with the Joint Declaration. Hong Kong has already set up similar offices in Tokyo and Geneva
and negotiations have just begun with the Canadians to
establish on in Toronto.
2.
Negotiations with the Belgians and the Commission
started in mid-1988 and after an initial favourable
response, were suspended while the Chinese were consulted.
The Chinese responded in March 1989 to the effect that they had no difficulties but would wish to know what privileges and immunities would be granted. Negotations were then
reopened with the Belgians, who confirmed on 26 July that
they were ready to accede to the Commission's request to
grant privileges and immunities to the Hong Kong Office. was agreed that discussions about detailed arrangements
would continue this month.
It
3. The subject was briefly raised when Mr. Roelants (the Belgian
Secretary General) met the PUS on 8 September, so the Ambassador
should be aware of it.
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