TNAG-2242-FCO40-3223-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-impact-on-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 109

Associated Maritime Company (London) Limited

Tanker: 071-491 4575

Cargo: 071-491 2549

Metro House

58 St. James's Street

LONDON

SWIA ILD

The Rt. Hon. John Major, M.P.,

The Prime Minister,

10 Downing Street,

LONDON SKIA 2AA

Dear Prime Minister,

E

M

Fax: 071-408 0572

Telex: 885264 AMCLDN G Cables: AMSHIPS LONDON

Muz 0/4

- 4 APR 1991

14th March 1991

GISTS.

A

I

I

W3S

my

greatly honoured to b. invited together with colleagues from Hong Kong to lunch at No. 10 yesterday.

inpressed by your knowledge and

grasp of the details of the many complex issues that are confronting Hong Kong but I particularly teke comfort of your strong commitment to Her well-being in the future.

I raised the issue of the on-going debate in America of Most Fa red Nation status which had been accorded China by the United States. This status, for

2

is very important to China, but very few America realise the importance of this status economic well-being of Hong Kong.

in

obvi

25

people

to

the

Hong Kong's relationship with China is unique. Her economic well-being is very much intertwined with that of China, Hong Kong's entrepreneurs have invested heavily

in

export orientated manufacturing facilities in China, especially in the neighbouring Guang Dong Province. Furthermore, Hong Kong is an important entrepot where the majority of the goods handled through its warehouses and

facilities are related port

to cargo

China. and from If this Most Favoured Nation status accorded to China. terminated, the impact on Hong Kong's economy will extremely serious.

to

is

be

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