5
Thirdly, Hong Kong can be seen as being a central pivot in
the Region. Geographically it is located in the centre of East
Asia, and not only is it a financial and distribution centre, but
it is also an information centre in the Region. With the traffic
of personnel between Hong Kong and the rest of East Asia being so
brisk, the Territory is also fulfilling a useful role as a centre
for information exchanges among international businessmen who are.
active in the ever growing area of East Asia. Hong Kong's consol-
idated position as an information centre in the Asia-Pacific
Region is largely due to its well developed mass media based on
freedom of speech, along with its up-to-date
systems, including computer facsimile networks.
communications
As the new airport is much needed in Hong Kong to maintain
its position as a centre for international finance, distribution,
and information, we welcome the Memorandum of Understanding on
the new airport being sealed during British Prime Minister, Mr.
John Major's recent visit to China, as it gives the official go-
ahead for PADS.' It is expected that Hong Kong's role
Region's economic centre will increase along with economic devel-
opment in Asia, due to this outstanding concentration of facili-
ties for distribution, finance and information.
as the