ROBACX
BACKGROUND
CONFIDENTIAL
Confidence in Hong Kong
1.
The Hong Kong Government are preparing a paper on emigration from Hong Kong: they expect the total number of immigrant visas issued in 1987 by recipient countries to be 35,000 compared with 22,000 in 1986. There are a number of reasons for this, including in particular increased immigration opportunities in some leading countries, particularly Canada and Australia. Many people return to Hong Kong after they have obtained an overseas passport.
Japanese-Hong Kong Economic Relations
2.
In 1986 Japan is an important economic partner for Hong Kong. Japan accounted for about 20% of overseas investment in Hong Kong industry, representing nearly HK$ 3 billion. Japan also has banking interests in Hong Kong, and a major interest in construction and civil engineering projects. In 1986 Hong Kong imported HK$ 56 billion worth of goods from Japan, 20 per cent of total imports.
Hong Japan exports to Hong Kong represented 3.4% of total exports. Kong's exports to Japan totalled HK$6 billion in 1986, 4% of total exports. Exports to Japan are expanding fast, albeit from a low
baseline.
Implementation of the Joint Declaration
3.
Important steps in recent months have included:
(a)
(b)
agreement on Hong Kong's future position in various international organisations (CCC, ILO, FAO, ESCAP,
UNCTAD);
progress on nationality-related matters (introduction of BN (0) status and passport, etc);
(c) good progress in discussion of defence of Hong Kong and
the maintenance of public order;
(d)
continuing discussions with aviation partners to conclude separate ASAS for Hong Kong.
We follow closely the drafting of Basic Law for HKSAR. draft is expected to be published in early 1988.
The first
CONFIDENTIAL