LONDON, Reuter: Queen Elizabeth heads off to China, The first time a British ‘Monarch has ever set foot in the country.
Her visit, which follows the agreement between London and Peking handing Hong Kong back to China before the end of the Century will combine sightseeing with diplomacy and, more to the point, trade.
Amongst all the state banquets and receptions during the eighty day trip is one engagement entitled “Sea Day” when businessmen from China and Britain will spend the day aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.
‘The aim is to try and generate more business with China. Last year, Britain exported 396 million sterling (566 million dollars) worth of goods while importing 308 million (440 million). But that only representative less than two ‘per cent of China’s trade with the West .
British officials hope that the “Sea Day” aboard Britannia will generate around 400 million sterling (572 million dollars) in orders, and aim for about nine per cent of the market.
The Queen herself will be showing off the latest product of Britain’s Civil Aviation industry, a four engined bae 146 air liners recently delivered to her personal Royal Air Force.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 17, 1986
