can and will be further consolidated. Secondly, China, to which
sovereignty over Hong Kong is to be returned, is transforming
itself into a market oriented economy, while its economy is de-
veloping and expanding rapidly. China has huge potential to
change and develop, and this gives Hong Kong many more opportuni-
ties to take advantage of. Thirdly the importance of Hong Kong, I
believe, will increase further along with the development of the
Asia-Pacific Region as a whole, which has substantial potential
powers of growth. Hong Kong occupies the strategically important
place in the Region. There may be some ups and downs in Hong Kong
and in international surroundings in fact, Hong Kong has expe-
rienced many ups and downs in the past, but has overcome all the
difficulties and emerged stronger as a result. It is my strong
conviction that Hong Kong will do the same and move ahead fur-
ther, overcoming any hurdles which may appear.
(9) The fourth point I want to make is the promotion of mutual
understanding and trust between Hong Kong and Japan. I firmly
believe that the further strengthening of ties between Japan and
Hong Kong will contribute to the overall strengthening of the
position of Hong Kong in the future. In order
order to deepen our
relationship therefore, it is essential to promote mutual under-
standing and trust between us. And it is my strong intention to
further promote human interchanges between the two sides at all