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ARGUMENTS AGAINST
PROPOSED FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR (I) CHINESE ENTERPRISES ASSOCIATION; AND (II) INSURANCE
Annex E
Chinese Enterprises Association FC
Fully agree that Chinese enterprises play substantial and important role in Hong Kong's economy.
But this is not an argument for what we would call a
"national" FC.
If we were to follow the Chinese
side's logic, should we not also create separate FCs
for, say, Japanese enterprises which is the largest
external investor in Hong Kong's manufacturing industries
31.9% as of 1991, as opposed to China
(10.9%); [or US enterprises which was Hong Kong's largest domestic export market (27.6% share in 1992,
as opposed to China's share of 26.5%)] on account of their contribution to Hong Kong's economy?
In Hong Kong, all investors and enterprises are
treated in the same way, and subject to the same
regulations. There is no distinction whatsoever on
the basis of nationalities. It is this philosophy, equal treatment for all, which makes Hong Kong's
economy SO successful. Proposal of the Chinese side.
goes against this philosophy. It also goes against
the principle that FCs are to represent major economic
and professional groups, and not "national" interests.
G.F. 316
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