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That is why, on my visit to Tokyo in September, I announced that the
Government was determined to give Asia a new place in our national priorities.
We have a wealth of traditional connections with Asian countries. But we must
now build up our modern connections.
This means expanding Britain's political dialogue with Asian governments.
It means seeking closer co-operation with Asian countries in tackling regional
and global problems.
It means strengthening our commercial presence. Britain is already the largest
European investor in the Asia/Pacific region; the largest European exporter of
invisibles; and the second largest European exporter of goods. So we have a
base. But we must keep building on it. We cannot afford to stand still.
Britain's long term commitment to Hong Kong is part of that strategy. Our
interest does not end in 1997. From then, of course, Britain will no longer be
the sovereign power. But our ties will continue.
Ties of business, ties of friendship, ties of blood which go deep. That is why
we are spending £25 million on a new British Consulate General. It will be a
large and well-staffed Post, with a clear mandate to support British business
after 1997.
So, if you want to be in Asia, you need to be in Hong Kong.
But Hong Kong's location is far from being its only strength. In many ways,
the remarkable people of Hong Kong have made their own luck through their
drive, enterprise and adaptability. It is no coincidence that the Hong Kong