HKC181/23
Y.
07 MAY 1991
Speaking Note
CS215
1. We have been approached by the Government of the Republic of
Korea with a request to negotiate a separate Air Services
Agreement with Hong Kong.
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HK/ROK AS
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2. At present, Hong Kong has extensive air links with the ROK.
Apart from third-party airlines, the Hong Kong-based and the
Korean designated airlines operate a total of 33 services per
week between Hong Kong and the ROK. These comprise 14 passenger
services operated by Cathay Pacific Airways, 14 passenger
services operated by Korean Air, 3 passenger services operated by
Asiana Airlines and 2 freighter services operated by Korean Air.
Over the last few years, the traffic demand between Hong Kong and
the ROK has increased steadily. By way of illustration, for the
year ended December 1988, some 101,000 ROK residents visited Hong
Kong. This figure increased to 167,000 for the same period in
1989 and then to 185,000 in 1990. Hong Kong's trade relations
with ROK have also developed rapidly in recent years. In 1990,
the ROK was Hong Kong's 7th largest trading partner: Hong Kong
exports and re-exports to the ROK amounted to HK$14.8 billion and
imports from the ROK were valued at HK$28.2 billion.
3. It is of great importance to Hong Kong's continued economic prosperity that the existing extensive air links between Hong
Kong and the ROK be maintained and allowed to develop further.
Hong Kong/ROK ASA would provide a firm and secure basis for this
A