6
the
Lastly, as for the future status of the Territory,
present system in Hong Kong is guaranteed for fifty years follow-
ing 1997, in the framework of the "one country, two systems'
concept under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and the
Basic Law. Japan will follow with great interest the course of
future actions taken by both China and Britain to observe this
international agreement, which Japan sees as a key factor in
securing Hong Kong's stability and prosperity in the future. In
this respect, it is highly appreciated that both Britain and
China agreed, during Mr. Major's recent visit to China, to accel-
erate cooperation and relevant work for the smooth transition of
the Territory, since this suggests that both
both countries are
determined to ensure Hong Kong's position as an international
trade and financial centre well beyond 1997.
For these reasons, I believe that Hong Kong is, and will
continue to be a most active key player in the Asia-Pacific
Region.
(2, The Importance of Hong Kong in the South China Economic zone)
Moving onto our next subject, as I have already mentioned,
Hong Kong attracts a great deal of attention in the Asia-Pacific
Region. Neighbouring China gives the Territory an additional