APPENDIX (1)
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The Chamber is planning a series of "gateway" missions into the region initially concentrating on Thailand. Had planned. one to Hong Kong, but decided to wait until 1991. Said they have no direct lines of contact with Hong Kong Government and would be keen to develop these.
reaction: Henderson was formerly Chief Executive of the Confederation of Australian Industry and is revitalising the Chamber (merged from the previous NSW and Victorian Chambers) with particular emphasis on regional offshore manufacturing ventures and trade. He expressed surprise that the Hong Kong Government had not made more effort in Australia. Would recommend continuing contact and flow of information. Also offer to assist them in a mission to Hong Kong.
SYDNEY: Wednesday 28/2: 9.15.am: Westpac Banking Corporation, hosted by Frank Conroy, who has just been appointed to the Board and as Chief Operating Officer responsible for retail, corporate and international banking operations. Also present Cecelia Clarke, economist-international risk in the Economics Department, and Tony Benner, manager media and information.
Briefing plus a range of general questions, including some on Taiwan. Clarke, who recently visited China, spoke of the nervousness of investors re Hong Kong/China. Conroy was based in Hong Kong as General Manager-Asia from 1986-87.
reaction: There was genuine interest in the briefing Clarke also attended the CEDA lunch later that morning. Suggest contacting Conroy and offering high-level briefings when he is next in Hong Kong he is tipped as likely next chief executive of Westpac. Meanwhile, we should send updated material on issues direct to the bank's Head Office in Sydney.
madd
SYDNEY: Wednesday 28/2: 12.15.pm: CEDA luncheon hosted by Peter Janssen,
managing director of Utilux (guest list available).
A broad range of intelligent questions with genuine interest. What was Hong Kong's relationship with Taiwan? Why should people trust China? The brain drain? The succession after Deng? The Vietnamese refugees? Etc.
reaction: A worthwhile meeting and an opportunity to correct some misconceptions. While some expressed cynicism, many were obviously impressed with the depth of knowledge in the answers given. CEDA has offices in both Sydney and Melbourne (the headquarters) and should be on the list for any information. Also we should keep in touch for possible future functions.
SYDNEY: Wednesday 28/2: 2.30.pm: HKTA courtesy call hosted by David
Fellows, Director Australia/New Zealand.
Took opportunity to brief staff of Sydney office who expressed some degree of frustration at inability to access more information on current events/issues in Hong Kong to assist in marketing and public relations, especially in response to some unbalanced media reports. Spoke particularly of Australian television reports of 'riots' in Kowloon during the demonstrations post-June 5.
reaction: HKTA should be included in distribution of any material in future distributed to media or business interest groups. The comments on TV footage in Kowloon again point up the need to monitor media in Australia to permit an effective (and timely) response. HKTA is now receiving the new HKTDC media backgrounder being distributed here.