TNAG-2300-FCO40-3328-Chinese-copyright-law-implications-for-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 15

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been in touch with Allan Murray about project interests, but it occurs to me that we may have an interest in flagging up at Prime Ministerial level our interest (perhaps only in general terms) in discussion with the Chinese on copyright matters, and our concerns over their current copyright practice. Clearly this would not be the occasion to go into any detail but we might at least indicate areas of particular interest, and seek s ome of political commitment from the top on the Chinese side to enter into discussions. We might also indicate that British companies concerns in this area are may be an inhibiting factor on their investment plans in China (if that is the case).

sort

3. Finally, our Legal Adviser has suggested (see copy of minute attached) that we might ask Peking's honorary legal adviser to assess the adequacy of the new copyright Iaw with respect to the needs of British and Hong Kong investors in China. I should be grateful to receive a copy of the copyright law to pass on to Miss Barrett. Secondly, I should be grateful to know whether you see any value in having this work done as proposed or whether this is best done by your own experts. It may be that there is a place for an assessment based on knowledge of local investment conditions; or

or that an assessment from the perspective of Hong Kong investors in China might be valuable.

your sincerely

Andise Feaths

AJ Seaton

Far Eastern Department

CC.

Mr A Murray, OT2/DTI

Miss Life, ECD (E)

Mr Ellis, British Council

Mr Sainty, HKD

Miss Barrett, Asst Legal Adviser

Mr Kerfoot, Peking

Mr Madelin, UKREP Brussels

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