§ Mr. Fordasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will summarise the prospects for the Hong Kong economy forecast by the Financial Secretary in his recent Budget; and if he will make a statement on the opportunities for British companies to participate in Hong Kong growth.
§ Mr. RifkindIn his budget speech, the Financial Secretary estimated that in 1983 there would be a 4 per cent. growth in the real gross domestic product in Hong Kong, a 7 per cent. growth in real terms in exports, including re-exports, and a similar growth in real terms in imports.
I agree that this projected growth offers further opportunities for British exports. The British trade commission in Hong Kong and the British Overseas Trade Board will continue to make every effort to ensure that British companies participate as fully as possible.