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The Hong Kong Government Position
11.6.
The Consultative Document suggested that with
the forthcoming change in Hong Kong's status and the
establishment of a separate and autonomous register,
Hong Kong's representation and participation at the IMO
may need to be strengthened.
11.7.
Hong Kong representation at the IMO and on its
committees has been modest for many years for practical
reasons. The intention is to increase Hong Kong's
future representation at the IMO. However it will
clearly not be possible to attend and play a useful part
in every committee and sub committee without a
considerable increase in resources. A balance will have
to be struck between prudent policy influence and
needless expenditure. The suggestion made in 1984 to
have a permanent Hong Kong representative on maritime
affairs in London may have some merit.
Beyond 1997
11.8.
It is hoped that Hong Kong's status as an
Associate Member of the IMO after 1997 will remain
unchanged. The detailed mechanism whereby this might be
achieved is, however, a matter for the Governments of
Britain and China through the Joint Liaison Group.