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Symposium in China: A business symposium held in Beijing between 4 →
7 April proposed establishing a bank with half the equity coming from countries of the third world and the remaining half from commercial banks from other countries. Commercial banks in Hong Kong were welcome to join the proposed bank.
Mr. Sandberg confident: In its annual report, signed by the chairman, Mr. Michael Sandberg, the HKSBC said the 1997 issue had already received, and would continue to receive, close attention internationally and locally. Although negotiations might well be protracted, it was encouraging to see the common aim expressed by the British and Chinese Governments to maintain the stability and prosperity of HK. The bank had confidence that HK's stature as a major regional and international financial centre would not be diminished. Uncertainty was inevitable for some time, but should be balanced against the fact that a vigorous and creative community of nearly 5.5 million people must and would continue to contribute positively over the coming decades.
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OTHER ITEMS:
Second visit to China: The Express said the delegation of NT leaders who visited China early this year had been invited to revisit Beijing, probably in June. The paper said the group had impressed Chinese leaders during their first visit. It speculated that arrangements would be made this time for them to see Mr. Deng Xiaoping.
Reform Club to go to Beijing: The Reform Club will send a delegation to Beijing, probably in June or July. Preparations are being made for the trip. Public opinion is being canvassed with a view to reflecting it to the Chinese leadership. It is expected that the results of an opinion poll on Hong Kong's future conducted by the Club last year would be submitted to senior Chinese officials for reference.
UK Chinese group in HK: A delegation from the Chinese community in London and Manchester visited HK last week. Members of the group expressed confidence that the British and Chinese Governments would work towards maintaining the prosperity of HK.
1997 Action Group: The chairman of the 1997 Action Group formed by the Chinese community in UK, Mr. Chow Tung-shing, said he had been snubbed during his visit here. He had not been given proper access to the Government and was treated as an outsider by some local groups.
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