me
the importance of economic
reform for China's
continued
development. His references to the significance of Deng Xiao
Ping's much reported visited to South China earlier this year
left me in no doubt that the reformers were now driving events
forward in China. That reform will continue at a greater pace in
South China than anywhere else. Over the next decade it will
surely fulfil its potential to become the fastest growing
economic region in the world.
Who is better placed to take full advantage of these
than
Hong Kong? Hong Kong can
financial skills
provide
the
necessary
to
opportunities
technical, management and
accelerate the region's rate of
of development. Hong Kong has
the regional services centre,
already established itself as
providing financial, consultancy and marketing services into
South China and further afield.
In every facet of Hong Kong's economic life and priorities we can
see linkages with China's growth and prosperity. For example Hong
Kong is now probably the most exciting place in the world for
major project business. This extends beyond the port and airport
development to power stations and other large infrastructural
plans. These are important to Hong Kong. They are also closely
linked to the economic development of the surrounding region. The
new airport will not only relieve congestion for air travellers
into Hong Kong. It will also provide an economic stimulus way
beyond Hong Kong itself. Similarly Hong Kong is increasing in importance as a base for the financing of business elsewhere in
the region. The Shajaio C power station will be built in South