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SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO FINLAND, 25/26 APRIL
Background
Hong Kong
Talks with China on the 1994/95 electoral arrangements began in Peking on 22 April. An update on the talks will be provided by telegram as the situation develops.
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We understand the Finns are nervous about Chinese threats to trade stemming from political disagreement (eg with France over jet sales to Taiwan, and with the UK over Hong Kong). They are concerned that any comments they make over Hong Kong risk being interpreted by China as hostile criticism and might affect their trade with China. They would therefore value a detailed exchange of views with the Secretary of State on Hong Kong.
3. Finnish trade with China is small by comparison with the UK, but is growing rapidly and investment is on a rising curve. In 1992, Finnish exports to China were worth £145 million (1.1% of total Finnish exports) and Finnish imports from China stood at £134.5 million (1.2% of Finnish imports). This represented a 25% growth in imports and a 31% growth in exports over 1991 figures. British exports to Finland were worth about £1 billion and exports around £1.3 billion in 1992.
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