CONFIDENTIAL
I
#
19 January 1931
HONG KONG: ANNUAL REVIEW FOR 1980
SUMMARY
3
6. The influx of immigrants from China. Measures to halt illegal immigration eventually successful (paragraphs 2-4).
2. Over 21,000 Vietnamese boat refugees
still await resettlement (paragraph 5).
3
3. Economy did well, but high rate of export growth declined markedly in the second half. Inflation at 15% coupled with immigration held down real wages. Though unemployment is low it is rising steadily. Real estate and stock exchange booms (paragraphs 6-8).
4 Strong budgetary situation. Government
programmes on course. Public housing programme at last fairly satisfactory. First year in which all children under 15 were in free education (baragraph 9).
5. Plans for reform of local administration (
paragraph 10).
b. Staff relations eased in the public service
(baragraph 11).
7. Take-over of some old established firms
by local Chinese interests (paragraph 12).
CONFIDENTIAL
1312