Governorship at a crucial time. He will be in charge in Hong Kong for the remainder of the transitional period up to 1997. I know
that everyone will wish him well in the tasks ahead of him. It
will not always be an easy job but it will be a challenging and
very important one. He will bring considerable talents and
energies to the tasks ahead of him and will work with great determination for the good of Hong Kong and all its people. Hong
Kong's economic prosperity will of course be a top priority.
Important decisions
will also need to taken on the political
development of Hong Kong. I know that the new Governor will want
to take his time and make up his own mind on all these matters.
Yet policies will continue to be worked out within the framework
of the Joint Declaration. This will not change.
I know that
that Chris Patten will be working above all for a
successful transition and the continuation well beyond 1997 of
Hong Kong's stability, prosperity and existing way of life. In
that he will be carrying on the excellent work of Lord and Lady
Wilson. They leave Hong Kong strong and confident, ready to meet
all the challenges of the future. We all owe them a tremendous
debt of gratitude.
For it is to the future that Hong Kong belongs. Its young, well
educated, entrepreneurial population is ready to face 1997 as a
beginning, not an end. Everyone here tonight has a close interest
in that future and the opportunities it will bring. I am sure we
shall all play our part.