Hong Kong continues to be one of the most visited markets under
DTI's official support schemes; in the financial year 1990/1 the
Department will be supporting 18 outward trade missions and 10
British groups at international exhibitions here. We are also
supporting store promotions of British goods this autumn at Sincere
Department Store and Olivers Delicatessens.
To underline our commitment to increasing our trade with Hong Kong,
we recently upgraded the post of Senior British Trade Commissioner.
This not only demonstrates the importance we attach to this work
but is also a mark of Britain's wider political commitment to Hong
Kong. The staffing of the BTC will gradually be increased in the
run-up to 1997. Our commercial and economic links are an
important element in our relationship with Hong Kong and our
determination to strengthen them illustrates our commitment to Hong
Kong's future. We are determined that after 1997 Hong Kong will
continue to be the phenomenal success story it is today.
A recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Industry Department
demonstrates clearly that Hong Kong is becoming an increasingly
important regional centre for overseas companies. This is a
sign of the confidence with which they and you view the future. I
can assure you that this confidence is shared in the UK. We do not
view the approach of 1997 as marking the end of an era but rather
as the opportunity to build on that confidence; to further
vte19mon.210
9