TNAG-2967-FCO40-4246-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-inclusion-of--1993 — Page 11

RECORD OF MEETING BETWEEN MR GOODLAD COMMERCE: HONG KONG: 11 OCTOBER 1993

Those present:

Mr James Chiu, Chairman

Mr Wilkinson, Courtauld,

Deputy Chairman

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Mr Goodlad

Mr Cornish, SBTC

Mr Morris, HKD PS/Mr Goodlad

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1. Mr Chiu said that the Chamber had launched a HK$12-13m fund to reinforce its position and recruited Brigadier Hammerbeck as Chief Executive. Mr Goodlad said he would like to meet him as soon as possible in London. Mr Chiu hoped for a more active role by HMG to support the Chamber: The Chamber had agreed to collocate in the new British Consulate-General.

But the Treasury was insisting on a commercial rent being paid. Mr Goodlad agreed the Chamber was worth supporting. He was not sure that this would lead to easy terms. Mr Chiu said he was only seeking fair terms.

2. Mr Chiu detected an "invisible hand" in China, pushing business away from Britain. This might not be on instruction from Peking; but the municipalities etc would not risk displeasing Peking. Mr Goodlad observed that the statistics showed trade increasing. Exports were up 90%. Mr Chiu believed they should have risen much more. He was expressing a general concern rather than asking for help. Mr Goodlad asked to see any evidence of discrimination which might arise. Any such cases would prevent China entering GATT.

cc: PS/Mr Goodlad

Mr Hum

Mr Morris, HKD

Mr Dougal, Joint Directorate

Mr Bristow-Smith, FED

PS/Governor of Hong Kong

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