internationally.
Nor would any other approach serve
the wider and longer term interests of Hong Kong.
7
I have touched on some of the difficult decisions which
I have taken, or will need to take before long. But I
do not want to leave the impression that I see Hong
Kong as a series of problems. On the contrary, it is
an undeniable success story with great prospects.
should not play down these prospects.
We
I am particularly conscious of the economic and
commercial importance of Britain's relationship with
Hong Kong. As the twelfth largest trading entity in
the world, Hong Kong has every right to expect to be
taken seriously. The work of the Senior British Trade
Commissioner, Peter Heap, and his staff is crucial.
That is why I have allocated a substantial account of
time in my visit to seeing for myself his operation and
meeting representatives of the business community here.
We want to encourage British companies to play the
fullest possible part in Hong Kong's future. We are
determined to build a greater share of this important
market.
This not a short term strategy. I see the importance
of Hong Kong to Britain continuing well beyond 1997.
We are working urgently on plans to establish a