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Natural you should be at the forefront of regional
economic cooperation. Hong Kong wonderfully placed at centre of the fastest growing region in the
world. You have shown that you are not only the gateway to Southern China, but a major regional
financial and communications centre. Natural first
choice for many British and other international companies who want to establish themselves in Asia/Pacific.
Extraordinary growth in Hong Kong/Southern China/Taiwan triangle one of the key economic
developments of the last five years.
Contrasts with
the economic problems elsewhere, although Hong Kong
cannot be immune from consequences, whether concerns be about falling dollar or rising protectionist
pressures.
Hong Kong/China
Still, very encouraging that political transition in 1997 preceded by this economic integration with
Southern China.
You are all greater experts on China than me. But
given importance of developments there for Hong Kong,
worth spending a moment on the outlook. Party Congress seems likely to be in October though it could still slip. We may well see changes in the
Politburo and the Standing Committee, which will in turn throw light on the strength of Li Peng's position.