TNAG-2242-FCO40-3223-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-impact-on-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 91

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

G.F. 324

RESTRICTED 內部文件

-

14.

Furthermore,

as China needs to finance most of

its imports by the foreign exchange earned from its exports, removal of its MFN status in the United bound to reduce its export earnings and hence its ability to absorb imports. China sources slightly more than

one-quarter of its imports from Hong Kong, and this proportion would be even larger if re-exports through Hong Kong into China are taken into account. In general, Hong Kong's exports to China would be reduced in the event that China's ability to import is hampered. The impact of this

on Hong Kong

would be a further loss in GDP by a small fraction of a

a percentage noint

(C)

Longer-term

impact on investment and

business confidence

15.

when they involve

China's MFN status in the United States is an important factor which hac bccn taken for granted by Hong

themselves in

ventures in China, with a view to

States. The same applies to

Kong

companies

manufacturing investment

exporting to the United

foreign manufacturers who

Hong Kong. Removal of

heavy blow to these

manufacturing activities.

come to invest in China through

China's MFN status would deal a

investments and collaborative

Hong Kong and foreign companies alike would seek to relocate their production facilities out of China to other places in South East Asia, with the result that the operations would become more costly and less efficient. This diversion of investment would reduce further the longer-term potential for growth and income generation of the Hong Kong economy.

16.

In the event of a substantial sethark in

trade between China and the United States through Hong Hong Kong's position as a gateway for business in and

Kong,

with China would be seriously undermined.

RESTRICTED 內部文件

&

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.