CAEACX
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE JLG
RESTRICTED
ANNEX I
Since the Joint Declaration entered into force in May 1985, the British and Chinese Governments have been working together through the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG) to put flesh on the bones of the Joint Declaration and pave the way for a smooth transition in 1997. Much work remains to be done in the years ahead (and beyond: the JLG will remain in existence until 2000). In the meantime, the achievements of the JLG have included the following:
i)
Agreement that Hong Kong should remain a member of the Asian
Development Bank after 1997.
ii)
Agreement that Hong Kong should be deemed a separate
contracting party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and
should continue in that status after 1997 in the name of "Hong Kong,
China". Hong Kong duly became the GATT's 91st contracting party on
23 April 1986.
iii) Agreement on transitional measures relating to the principal
travel and identity documents issued to Hong Kong residents, to
avoid any disruption in this important area on 1 July 1997.
iv) Agreement on the establishment of a standing sub-group of
experts to consider the question of the continued application of international rights and obligations affecting Hong Kong. The sub-group has its principal base in Hong Kong and it held its first
meeting there from 15 to 17 October 1986. The group has
subsequently agreed on Hong Kong's future participation in 14
international organisations.
v)
Agreement on the principles for the establishment of a separate Hong Kong Register of Shipping which can be maintained beyond 1997. Necessary work to put this into effect is now going on
in Hong Kong.
RESTRICTED