WORKING PAPER ON SHIPPING
THE CHINESE PLAN
SECRET
There
Current social and economic systems would remain unchanged. would be financial independence. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would remain a free port. In retaining its status as a free port, existing economic and trading systems and
methods of management would remain unchanged. The SAR would have
the power to enter into its own negotiations with foreign parties on
matters relating to economy, culture and tourism and to sign relevant bilateral or multilateral agreements. The SAR could on its
own participate in international organisations and conferences not limited to states. The People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR of The People's Republic of China would conduct their external
trade separately and independently of each other. The Hong Kong SAR's trade relations with the mainland of China would continue as
at present.
IMPLICATIONS
Hong Kong shipowners and charterers, their managers and agents would remain free under Hong Kong law to operate ships worldwide for the carriage of goods and passengers to and from all other ports, and to participate in the management of freight conferences. Private businesses would continue to provide maritime services such as stevedoring, forwarding, insurance (including protection and indemnity club entry) and legal services. Internationally recognised classification societies would continue to be recognised and operated under Hong Kong law for the purpose of ship surveys.
2.
The Hong Kong administration would continue to provide port facilities for landing or loading passengers, cargo, livestock, the landing and marketing of fish, pleasure craft, shelter from typhoons and for the supply by private businesses of stores and bunkers and salvage, pilotage, towage and repair services.
3. Ships would continue to enjoy access to ports of Hong Kong in the course of trade or navigation in accordance with the law.
/4. The