TNAG-2047-FCO40-2917-Visits-by-staff-of-the-Department-of-Trade-and-Industry-to-H-1990 — Page 8

VISIT OF MR MEADWAY UNDER SECRETARY OT2 TO HONG KONG:

18-21 NOVEMBER 1990

DEFENSIVE POINTS (FOR USE WITH BRITISH BUSINESS COMMUNITY)

Nationality

We are aware of the concerns of British companies in Hong Kong about the loss of key personnel through emigration. Hope our nationality package will succeed in anchoring key people.

Fifty points will be available under Selection Scheme for British links, including 35 for service with British firms. Enough to give employees of British firms a significant edge over equally qualified employeed of other firms.

British interests will be represented by Senior British Trade Commissioner, who will serve on Governor's Steering Group to advise on operation of Selection Scheme. He will also play a leading role in advising Governor on which firms should be regarded as British for purposes of scheme.

Realise that some companies in Hong Kong were

disappointed that the Approved Secondment Scheme (ASS) was not included in the Act. Will continue to examine possibilities in light of experience gained from operation of scheme.

The

Government are aware of the concerns of a number of British expatriate businessmen with foreign wives. Government have given clear assurances in Parliament which should remove any concerns about position of non-UK wives and widows.

FABAMY/1

CONFIDENTIAL