CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 1997
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July
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The Hang Seng Index reaches a record high, closing at 15 196 points on the last trading day before Hong Kong returns to Chinese sovereignty. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress endorses the appointment of a 12-member Basic Law Committee, which advises on amendments and interpretation of the mini-constitution. The committee will convene its first meeting in Beijing on July 1. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, arrives in Hong Kong to represent Her Majesty the Queen at the Handover Ceremony and associated events. He is accompanied by the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Right Honourable Robin Cook, MP. US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright arrives the same day. The British Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Tony Blair, MP, arrives two days later. The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group appoints KPMG Peat Marwick to audit the assets and liabilities of the Exchange Fund of Hong Kong up to March 31, 1997. The appointment is made in accordance with the agreed minute on the question of the arrangements for the transfer of the Exchange Fund of Hong Kong.
The Legislative Council concludes its last sitting before the Handover. Hong Kong celebrates the Queen's Birthday for the last time with a Beating Retreat Ceremony and a reception hosted by the Governor. The Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister, Mr Qian Qichen, arrives in Hong Kong to make final preparations for the arrival the following day of President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng.
The Prince of Wales presents insignia and commendations to 116 Hong Kong residents at Government House.
The Governor's standard is lowered for the last time at a ceremony for the departure of Mr Patten and his family from Government House attended by Government House staff and their families.
A Farewell Ceremony to mark the end of British administration takes place in the evening at East Tamar in the presence of the Prince of Wales, the Governor, the British Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
The British Government hosts a Handover banquet at the new extension to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre after the Farewell Ceremony.
A ceremony marking the resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China is held at the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the night of June 30 and the early hours of July 1. President Jiang Zemin and the Prince of Wales officiate at the ceremony attended by some 4 000 foreign ministers and dignitaries from more than 40 countries. It is followed by the swearing- in of the Chief Executive, and the HKSAR Executive Council, officials, judiciary and legislature. (See Chapter 2).
The PLA Garrison, comprising 4 000 troops, arrives in Hong Kong early in the morning.
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