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substantial representation after 1997, commensurate
with our continuing interests in the territory.
that the British Council also have plans to extend
their presence here.
Hong Kong is also important as a significant player in
the international financial world. It is also a focus
of international investment. Recent investment
decisions by Citicorp, the international interest in
the new airport projects and the cable TV developments
are all an international vote of confidence in Hong
Kong.
We
Hong Kong is the epitome of a free market economy.
are seeing all over the world the emergence of market
economies in countries where these would have seemed
almost inconceivable until very recently. So the trend
is running in Hong Kong's favour. The prospects for
Hong Kong as we enter the 1990s have never been more
exciting. We are living in a period of dramatic
changes around the world, often at a bewildering pace.
Hong Kong's ability to adapt should put in a strong
position to succeed and prosper.
I do not under-estimate the difficulties of the next
decade.
Britain will be unceasingly active in
defending and promoting Hong Kong's interest in any way