Sir J Coles/o/:
Coles of
RESTRICTED
MAB 12/3
4
FROM: A R Paul
091
Hong Kong Department
Hong Kong
DATE: 19 July 1991
991
cc: Mr Burns
Mr Davies, FED
HONG KONG: POSSIBLE CONFERENCE ON INVESTMENT
1.
You minuted to me just before your departure on leave about an idea which the Japanese Minister of Finance had put on a personal basis to Sir J Whitehead, namely that we might organise in Hong Kong a meeting of countries who were actual or potential investors in the territory. I picked up the same idea during my own visit to Japan last month.
2.
In
I agree that this is certainly worth considering. order to head off Chinese charges of "internationalisation", however, the conference would need to be carefully planned and managed and the Chinese should be given an opportunity to participate. Indeed, Lu Ping's participation in the Smith New Court conference in London in September may help to point the way.
3.
As for participation by other countries, I would envisage representation being primarily companies, banks and financial institutions, with some official involvement through the Consulates in Hong Kong, or by visiting officials (eg from MITI).
I think the next step would be to consult the Governor about this idea. If you agree, I will send a telegram next
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