Britain and Asia
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Given that Hong Kong's interests as a major trading
nation have always stretched far beyond your borders,
and that no economy is more open to regional and
global trends than Hong Kong, thought it might be
useful to look at the broader perspective from my vantage point as Minister dealing with the whole of
the Asia Pacific from Burma to New Zealand.
Britain always been deeply involved in Asia. That
has not changed with increasing importance for us of
Europe. Indeed, European connection can reinforce
our Asian interests.
Britain now President of the EC. This gives us important responsibilities for EC's relations with the countries of the region. Douglas Hurd has
already been to one EC/Asean meeting in July before
his visit here, and will be back in Manila again in
October for a second. We held a major EC/Japan summit in London in July.
with China as well.
Regional Cooperation
Important EC relationship
Hong Kong also involved in growth of regional
cooperation: your membership of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC), your successful hosting of the Asia Development Bank meeting here in May are
examples.