2 -
11.
People not familiar with Hong Kong might wonder why we are so
sensitive and concerned when discussing travel documents. I had the
chance to mention to two of Mr. CHI Peng-fei's delegation recently that
more than one third of Hong Kong's population already possess one form
or another of a valid international travel document, and there are more
than 1 million international departures from Hong Kong every year,
which is why travel documents is a subject close to many people's
hearts. As a comparison, I was informed that in the world's most
developed travelling nation the United States, less than 10% of the
population actually holds a passport! No wonder we call ourselves an
international city.
12.
Although the British National (Overseas) Passport is a UK
travel document, like the way it takes two to Tango, the BN (0) Passport
takes two countries to make it meaningful, that is in addition to
Britain issuing and selling the passport to third countries, it needs
China's co-operation to allow the right of abode in Hong Kong to be
clearly stated. I have also already said a lot on this in October
which does not need repetition, but I hope this problem can be
successfully solved by the next Joint Liaison Group meeting this
Spring.