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substantial stake in the territory.
As mark of importance we attach to Hong Kong, post of Senior British Trade Commissioner recently upgraded to Ambassadorial rank. Planning already in hand to establish large British Consulate-General in Hong Kong after 1997. Determined to maintain strong diplomatic, economic and cultural links with Hong Kong after 1997.
Cathay Pacific recently ordered ten A330 Airbus aircraft, with
option to buy ten more. Total order would be worth £1.3 billion.
Delivery to start in mid-1990's.
One of the most striking features of Hong Kong's economic growth over last five years has been development of economic links with
China. Hong Kong and China are each other's largest trading partners. Chinese investment in Hong Kong large and growing. Hong Kong already accounts for one third of China's foreign
exchange earnings and two thirds of foreign investment in China. In Guangdong province, estimated to be up to 2 million people employed directly or indirectly by Hong Kong business.
Hong Kong has been transit point for over 130,000 Vietnamese boat
people since 1975. Over 116,000 resettled. None have been
turned away.
Magnificant achievement.
UK has already taken over 13,000 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. Our latest commitment, announced in February, to take additional 1,000 over next 2-3 years is doubling of current rate
of offtake.
Now working with international community to find durable solution to problem on region-wide basis. Comprehensive Plan of Action to be endorsed by International Conference on Indo-Chinese refugees
to be held in Geneva in June.
Contact: Rosalind Marsden, HKD (270 2650)
April 1989