TNAG-2791-FCO40-4030-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China.-With-maps-1993 — Page 67

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

GF 323

CONFIDENTIAL #

16

Implications for the Hong Kong economy

27.

In the present

circumstances,

Hong Kong's

inflation will probably be not much affected by China's

inflation. This is because the prices of China's imports

into Hong Kong, which are mostly denominated in Hong Kong dollars, will probably change little as the higher prices and costs in China are being offset by the depreciation of

the Renminbi. Moreover, China's share in Hong Kong's

to

retained imports has declined substantially over the years,

from 20% in 1985

only 6% in 1992 (17), The overall

influence of the prices of Chinese goods on Hong Kong's inflation is correspondingly reduced.

28.

have

China's inflation is also expected to relatively little impact on Hong Kong's outward processing activities in Guangdong, with regard to the external price competitiveness of the products. Processing fees are paid in foreign currencies, predominantly Hong Kong dollars and

US dollars. Again, the higher local costs in the province

are being offset by the depreciation of the Renminbi. The

raw materials and semi-manufactures for the outward

processing activities are largely imported from overseas

through Hong Kong. Where some of these materials sourced

from China and paid in local currencies, the Renminbi depreciation should likewise help to offset the higher

supply costs.

The sales of outputs of foreign-funded

enterprises to China's domestic

market (18)

are likely to

(17)

(18)

1980

1985

1990

1991

1992

Share of China in Hong Kong's retained imports

(8%)

17

20

9

10

6

In

general, up to 30% of the outputs of foreign-funded enterprises in China are allowed for domestic sales. This ceiling may soon be relaxed further, as China is opening up its retail trade sector.

CONFIDENTIAL

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