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Hong Kong is not without its problems but in the world arena it is a thriving and successful place a fact which is all too often overlooked in the cut and thrust of domestic politics.
To pursue the objectives of the Summit we already have in place a comprehensive array of Government policies to foster the social and economic development of Hong Kong. Through our adherence to the international covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Hong Kong fully observes and respects international norms and standards on human rights. We have a well-entrenched tradition of the rule of law, a truly independent judiciary and a Bill of Rights Ordinance which provide a solid and enviable foundation for the protection of human rights. We have extended the Convention of the Rights of the Child to Hong Kong; we are now seeking the extension to Hong Kong of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; we have introduced the Sex Discrimination Bill and the Disability Discrimination Bill into the Legislative Council; we have introduced legislation to provide greater access to legal aid, and to set up an independent Legal Aid Services Council to oversee the administration of legal aid services. We have allocated extra resources to promote human rights education; we are also implementing an administrative Code on Access to Information to increase the transparency of the Government. All these steps give real effect to the Commitments made at the World Summit.
In terms of social and economic development, the government's approach to the economy is one of minimum interference and maximum support, a firmly-held economic philosophy which has transformed Hong Kong into one of the true miracles of the world in the late 20th century. We provide the necessary infrastructure and a sound, impartial, legal and administrative framework conducive to economic growth and prosperity. The basically free-enterprise, market-disciplined system has greatly contributed to the economic success of Hong Kong, generating the wealth required to meet the rising standards of public service that the people of Hong Kong demand. Over the last few years, there had been substantial improvements in the standard of living, health, welfare and cultural life of the people in Hong Kong.
The economy of Hong Kong has grown at an average rate of 6% in real terms over the past ten years - double the corresponding growth rate for OECD countries as a whole. In terms of standard of living, Hong Kong's per capita GDP at US$21,800 in 1994 is among the highest in Asia, second only to Japan.
Our strong economy allows us to offer highly subsidised hospital services and health care which compares well with what is provided else where in the advanced world. We also have in place comprehensive "safety net" of social services for disadvantaged individuals and their families. Over 3 million people benefited, through our housing programmes, from various types of assisted housing.