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as
by the Opportunity and Priority Japan campaigns and by our
leading role within the Community in working for open trading policies with the rest of the world. He could point out
his hosts are well aware that this has already stimulated Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain to adopt a similar
approach to trade promotion with Japan.
G
The Prime Minister should say that we see these achievements
as only first steps towards a stronger commercial alliance
between the UK and Japan: we are particularly interested in
strengthening our investment and technology links. He could
add that he will be bringing a team of senior businessmen
with him on his September visit to demonstrate the commitment
of UK business, as well as government, to this positive
approach.
The Prime Minister should go on to say that this relationship
- and our influence in promoting similar policies elsewhere in
Europe needs constant reinforcement: it cannot be taken for
granted. In particular, we are concerned that US pressure on
Japan could prejudice our companies' chances of success in
winning the sort of major contracts which can generate positive publicity. The most important piece of such business
this year is Rolls Royce's bid to supply engines for Japan
Airlines' Boeing 777s. Another example of competitive UK high
technology which could be on the verge of a prominent success
is Oxford Instruments' semiconductor manufacturing equipment
which they are seeking to sell to NEC and others (though this
is not subject to the same political pressures as the
potential Rolls Royce business). As an example of UK
intentions, he might reassure the Japanese that whatever the
form of follow-up to the current Priority Japan campaign,
which ends next March, it will be positive and high profile.
fed18/G7SUMMIT/pmmiyabilateral
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