vi) Agreement on the principles for the conclusion of separate Air Service Agreements between Hong Kong and its aviation partners,
which are capable of remaining in force after 1997. The first such Air Service Agreement was signed between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in The Hague on
17 September 1986. Subsequently, agreements have been signed with
Switzerland, Canada and Brunei. Negotiations with other partners continue.
vii)
Agreement on the introduction of a new pension scheme for civil servants in Hong Kong.
viii)
Agreement that Hong Kong should become a separate member of
the Customs Co-Operation Council (CCC) and should continue as such
after 1997 in the name of "Hong Kong, China". Hong Kong was duly
accepted as the 99th member of the CCC on 25 June 1987. As a result
of the JLG's efforts Hong Kong has, and will retain after 1997, a
separate standing in relation to the General Agreement on Tariffs
and Trade, the Multi-Fibre Arrangements and the CCC. It is thus
better placed to protect its own interests in world trade before and
after 1997.
ix) Good progress in discussions on the important subject of the
defence of Hong Kong and the maintenance of its public order. The
two sides agreed in principle that the Police Force should undergo
appropriate expansion to enable it to discharge its responsibility
for maintenance of public order before and after 1997, and in
particular anti-illegal immigration tasks on the border currently
undertaken by the British forces. The existing Auxiliary Air Force
will be reorganised to form a civil Gvoernment Flying Services
Department, with responsibility for providing the Hong Kong
Government with necessary flying services. The Chinese side have
also expressed understanding of the provisional plans for the
withdrawal of the British Garrison from Hong Kong, which have been
outlines by the British side. Her Majesty's Government's primary
objective in this crucial and sensitive area is to ensure that Hong
Kong's security and stability is maintained throughout the period up
to 1997, and that suitable arrangements are made for defence and public order thereafter on the basis of the provisions in the Joint