policy.PR.JRB
DOES THE FCO HAVE A POLICY FOR THE LONG TERM IN HONG KONG?
- we are already planning for a high-profile British presence in Hong Kong after July 1997. We see this as having three main components:
First, carrying out our responsibilities to ensure full implementation of the Joint Declaration. The JLG will remain in being until 2000. After that we shall having continuing responsibilities as a signatory of the Joint Declaration.
Second, promoting British business interests. We see Hong Kong as an increasingly important economic partner in itself, and also as the ideal launch pad for British companies seeking business in Southern China. We have enormous assets, in the form of investments and our long experience in Hong Kong. We aim to build on these beyond 1997.
Third, providing the services required by the three million or so people with British nationality in Hong Kong, many of whom will carry British passports after 1997.
- To demonstrate our continuing commitment to Hong Kong we are building a worthy new Consulate-General building, on land acquired from the Hong Kong Government at no capital cost. plan that this should be complete well before July 1997.
We