to regain that top spot and I am convinced that never before have
UK companies been so well placed to take advantage of the many
opportunities that exist in the Hong Kong market at the present
time.
None of you present today will need reminding about the Hong Kong
Government's commitment to develop a new port and airport. This
decision was one for the Hong Kong Government; but it has the full
support of HMG. One of the principal objectives of my current
visit is to stress the UK's keen interest in playing a substantial
role in the construction of the new airport and associated
infrastructural projects. We have a great deal of experience to
offer in this particular field and UK companies will be putting in
strong bids for all the key elements of the project. They will
have HMG's full support. It is encouraging to note that a number
of the consultancy contracts already awarded have some degree of UK
involvement.
Let me turn to the question of our future trading relations with
Hong Kong.
Clearly, events happen in the international arena which cannot be
anticipated the present crisis in the Gulf for instance will have
-
trading repercussions all over the world.
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