19/08 '93 11:54
0712708329
HMT INT. FINANCE →→→ ERD
ifl.rb/Kalen/19.8
Brief 18
003/005
HONG KONG'S OFFER TO HOST THE 1997 IMF/IBRD ANNUAL MEETINGS
[Not formally on agenda. This brief is for use if raised outside the formal meetings.
Objective
Support strongly the suggestion that Hong Kong should host the 1997
Annual Meetings.
The Chinese and
Hong Kong governments also support this suggestion.
Avoid substantive discussion of detailed arrangements.
Line to take
Hope that other members will support Hong Kong if a formal proposal is made, as we expect.
Hong Kong has excellent conference facilities, and their adequacy for hosting the Annual Meetings has
already been confirmed by an informal joint Fund and World Bank technical mission.
Holding Annual Meetings in Hong Kong
shortly after reversion of sovereignty to China should help reinforce the confidence that is needed to maintain Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre.
[To be used discreetly with G7/EC delegates]
The prospect of the occasion could also encourage the Chinese to behave with discretion during the critical months just before and just after the change-over.
?