TNAG-2679-FCO40-3876-British-Trade-Commission--Hong-Kong--and-China-Trade-Unit-re-1993 — Page 31

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

FM BTC HONG KONG

TO PRIORITY FCO

TELNO 256

OF 30100OZ SEPTEMBER 93

INFO PRIORITY DTI

HUA 120/1

OCT 1993

*

PA

BTC File 114520

MDLIAN 0575

40

Your telno 817 Hong Kong: Visit by Mr Goodlad.

1. General background as in our telno 241. While the business community is watching the political dialogue closely and remains difficult to convince about our approach, confidence as shown in the Hang Seng Index, new projects etc remains quite strong. The main reason is probably that the big players have made or making their arrangements with China and believe they will continue to do excellent business come what may. In Hong Kong itself, no-one doubts that the new airport will be built though there is certainly frustration over the delays. Much the same applies to further CT development.

2. One small recent British success is worth noting. AMEC have been awarded the modularisation feasibility study for the new terminal building at Check Lap Kok against stiff competition from Bechtel. The contract although modest in value (approximately GBP 500,000), should position AMEC well for follow-up construction work using modularisation methods they have developed.

3. British Chamber of Commerce: The broad picture is that the Chamber, pushed on much more by Jardines than anyone else, is starting to get a grip on the need to significantly boost its profile and status before 1997. The forthcoming appointment of Brigadier Hammerbeck as Chief Executive is a step in the right direction. (Tediously, Hammerbeck will be in New Zealand during Mr Goodlad's visit). So is their fund raising campaign. But too many big companies including the Hong Kong Bank and Shell are unwilling to cast their lot firmly with the British Chamber. They are inclined to give a much higher priority to the General Chamber.

4. British Council; BRIEF FAXED SEPARATELY.

CORNISH

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