TNAG-2980-FCO40-1472-British-investment-in-China-through-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 10

CODE 18-77

SS 8/78

Mr Edgar HKGD

RESTRICTED

Mich

121/12

Reference

MTM 102/11

O

No

cat,9/8 Afi7/8

BRITISH INVESTMENT IN CHINA VIA HONG KONG

1.

Sle

When we spoke about this last Friday, you kindly agreed to write to the British Trade Commission in Hong Kong asking them whether they have collated any figures on British investment in China via Hong Kong.

2.

on:

We are interested in any information which will throw light

(i)

the value of investments made through Hong Kong subsidiaries of UK companies and

(ii) the value of investments made by British firms based

in Hong Kong.

3. I explained that this enquiry was triggered off by a resurgence of Whitehall interest in our signing an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with China. I know this is not the time to broach it with Hong Kong again; but if and when we eventually wish to do so, we shall need to know all the facts if we are to argue the case convincingly.

Anna Bamett.

A Barnett (Miss) Trade Relations and Exports Department

25 May 1982

cc C Yarnell Esq, DOI

D Halldearn Esq, OT4/2, DOT

RESTRICTED

Bu

U noted with

2 +3 above

&

Mr Edgar on 1718