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were once allowed to dominate intemational trade the result would be
as catastrophic for developed as for developing countries.
These issues are now being argued out in Geneva over the
renewal of the MPA, It would have wide implications for world trade
if the liberal principles embodied in the GATT that have served all
well for so long did not prevail.
The correct settlement of such issues is vital to continued
economic and social development. While such development is what
govemments are for, there are some aspects of a community that may
seem peripheral to many but are vital to the few that have special
needs or disabilities. It is a most helpful role of voluntary and
charitable organisations such as the Lions International not only to
keep such issues before governments, but to supplement and even lead official efforts in a practical and responsible way.
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So I am delighted to find pursuit of the aims of the
International Year of the Disabled Person high on your agenda
delighted because this year's World President of Rehabilitation
International, Dr Harry Fang, is from Hong Kong.
doubly
In most social programmes we have found that the greatest
restraints are those of shortage of trained staff and lack of community
understanding. The first can be overcome by the systematic development
of appropriate courses of instruction and in Hong Kong we are
endeavouring to do this. The second is less tangible and more difficult
to achieve. Above all, a catalyst is required in the form of a strong
lead by public spirited and practical members of the community. In
this Lions International are in their element.
No doubt in the course of this conference the Hong Kong
representatives will make mention of their various plans. I will only
comment on these to say how enormously grateful I am for all they have
done and continue to do. In translating their ideal of service into
action they provide an example for all the community to follow, and I
salute them and their fellows gathered here to-day.
It is thus with great pleasure that I now declare open the
20th Orient and South-East Asian Lions Forum.
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