ENG-1970 — Page 79

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

Norway: In August, at the request of the Norwegian Government, the export restraint arrangements with Norway on Hong Kong's exports of certain cotton and non-cotton garments were extended by one month until October 31, 1970. Consultations with represen- tatives of the Norwegian Government took place in September. These resulted in an agreement whereby Hong Kong undertook to restrain exports of six categories of cotton and non-cotton garments during the period November 1, 1970 to June 30, 1972.

Sweden: Consultations with representatives of the Swedish Government on Hong Kong's exports of cotton and non-cotton textiles took place on two occasions in April and May. These negotiations resulted in an agreement whereby Hong Kong under- took to restrain exports to Sweden of five groups of cotton and non-cotton garments for the period July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1971.

United Kingdom: Since 1966, Hong Kong's exports to Britain of cotton yarn, cotton woven piecegoods, garments and made-up articles have been limited under a five-year agreement, which is outside the ambit of the Cotton Textiles Arrangement. The agree- ment has been extended to cover 1971.

Based on the recommendations of the Textile Council, the British Government announced in July 1969 its decision, as from January 1, 1972, to impose a tariff on imports of cotton woven textiles into the United Kingdom from Commonwealth countries, and to remove quotas. A special committee of the Textiles Advisory Board examined the likely effects of this decision for Hong Kong and presented its report to the Textiles Advisory Board. Taking account of the Board's advice, appropriate representations were made to Her Majesty's Government in London.

Benelux: Hong Kong's exports of cotton textiles to the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) were subject to an arrangement reached in November 1969 whereby Hong Kong agreed to restrain exports of all cotton textiles (except yarn). Under a special arrangement this restraint did not apply to unbleached grey fabrics which were destined for processing in the Benelux and for subsequent re-export outside the EEC and its associated terri- tories.

France: Contrary to the provisions of the GATT France maintains import restrictions on certain goods from Hong Kong. Informal