US team in talks on export curbs
A delegation of US officials is in Hong Kong for talks with SAR counterparts about trade controls aimed at preventing the smuggling through the SAR of sensitive technology.
Under-Secretary of Commerce for export administration Kenneth Juster met Secretary for Commerce and Industry Chau Tak-hay yesterday.
The visit coincides with that of a six-member delegation from the Commerce Department, State Department and US Customs Service for regular talks on export-control policies and enforcement procedures.
'Particularly after September 11, we must work together co-operatively to ensure that Hong Kong's strategic trade control system is effective in preventing the diversion of sensitive items and technologies,' said Mr Juster.
A Commerce and Industry Bureau spokeswoman said Hong Kong and US representatives spoke of their commitment to maintaining close co-operation.
They agreed to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Allegations have been raised in the US previously that the mainland sought to use front companies in Hong Kong to purchase hi-tech equipment that could be used for military purposes.
The Cox report, a US congressional committee's investigation into China's efforts to obtain data to upgrade its military that was made public in 1999, raised the question of whether PLA trucks could be carrying hi-tech equipment across the border. Hong Kong officials denied they could.
Mr Juster was given a tour of the Lok Ma Chau border crossing yesterday.
