TNAG-2126-FCO40-3036-Investment-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 151

CONFIDENTIAL

機密

14

-

centre

for the

UK

and other foreign

companies because

it

prohibits the

introduction

of

trade

protectionist

measures, exchange controls, high taxes and

other

policies which would affect adversely

the private sector's profit opportunities;

(c) Hong Kong offers the most convenient gateway

to Southern China, which is the most rapidly

growing PRC

region.

are

exploiting

Already, UK companies

excellent

export

opportunities in the PRC, with a 12.8%

annual

average growth in UK sales to the PRC

during the 1980s.

33.

business

strategy.

The potential obstacle to future UK exploitation of

opportunities in the territory is UK corporate

If UK companies prefer to concentrate on Europe

America, then their commitment to business in Hong

Kong must be expected to diminish.

or North

34.

There is little. that Hong Kong can do directly to

induce UK companies to take their business opportunities in

the territory more seriously.

As explained in para 31

above, where special attempts have been made to encourage

look for local business

individual UK

opportunities,

companies to

the

results

have been

disappointing.

CONFIDENTIAL

機密