CABALA
III:
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION
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 work of the JLG has 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 all 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 matters relevant to 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. Since then the sub-group has 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.