9
The following is the full text of Sir Y.K. Kan's speech:
"These annual gatherings are important from my point of
view as they enable us all to be better briefed on changes and developments
in the United Kingdom and the progress in Britain's small but dynamic
territory in the Far East. Indeed, I have sought to establish a tradition
whereby once a year, as Chairman of the Trade Development Council, I
try to meet together with my friends in Britain. My purpose in this has
been to enable me to meet in a friendly and convivial atmosphere to
talk about things which mutually affect Great Britain and Hong Kong.
This evening's dinner provides me with the opportunity to do so here
tonight.
"Mr President, we guests appreciate your opening remarks,
your contribution to the development of Hong Kong as Governor and to
this night's proceedings. And the words of the Chairman of the Hong
Kong Association are most relevant to the present day circumstances
of Hong Kong and Great Britain and I thank you for them on behalf of
the guests.
"Mr Secretary, when in Hong Kong last January you stated
your policies and your philosophical approach to international trade.
And we liked what you had to say. Like you, Sir, we in Hong Kong
believe that with our very special and unique relationship, closer
co-operation will be to our mutual advantage. Indeed, this was
very much the theme of your farewell press conference when you talked
about reciprocity. There, you expounded a forthright and pragmatic
approach to our "special" relationship and we wholeheartedly endorse
this.
As you have appreciated Sir, we are a very practical and
straightforward people in economic matters.
/"This, of course
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