Chief Secretary meets top European Union leaders
The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, held top level meetings in Brussels today (Monday) at the start of her week-long official visit to three European countries - Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
In Brussels, Mrs Chan met the President of the European Commission, Mr Jacques Santer, and the Vice-President, Sir Leon Brittan.
The talks covered Hong Kong/EU relations in general and a range of transitional issues. Both Mr Santer and Sir Leon stressed the EU's interest in seeing a continuation of Hong Kong's present systems beyond 1997.
Mrs Chan briefed them on what was happening in Hong Kong and also raised the issue of visa-free travel arrangements for Hong Kong citizens visiting EU countries.
Mrs Chan was also briefed by Sir Leon on his visit to China last week where he met the Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Mr Lu Ping. Sir Leon said he had told Mr Lu that the early setting up of the Court of Final Appeal would strengthen European confidence in the future of Hong Kong.
The Chief Secretary's visit to Europe is aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union, which forms the third largest market for Hong Kong's worldwide trade. It also comes on the heels of an initiative by the European Commission which last year produced a policy paper calling for a more pro-active economic strategy towards Asia.
Earlier in the day Mrs Chan had a breakfast meeting with a group of business leaders, including the Chairman of the Federation of Belgian Industries, Mr G Jacobs.
The industrialists mentioned that they were doing good business with and through Hong Kong at present but they expressed concern that they would be able to continue to do so after 1997.
Mrs Chan said in view of the EU's growing interest in the Asian region it was necessary to update European leaders, both in the private sector and government, on the latest developments in Hong Kong, not only as a gateway to China, but the region as a whole.