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42.
The new and vitally important factor is the agreement between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China on the future of Hong Kong. That agreement has removed much of the
uncertainty which has affected confidence and investment in the last
three years.
It constitutes a binding commitment on the part of both
governments to foster the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. I
have no doubt that they will fulfill that commitment, not only because
they are pledged to make the agreement work, but because it is self-
evidently in their interest to do. The reaction of the people of Hong
Kong to the agreement has indicated that they accept it as a basis on
which they can build a successful future. I am confident that they
will do so, and that Hong Kong will continue to be the vibrant and
exciting city that it is today.
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