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Lobbying for the unconditional renewal of China's MFN status has by now become a regular part of the work of our Economic and Trade Office in Washington. In this connection, the main task of my colleagues in Washington is to ensure that the damaging impact of conditional renewal or non renewal of China's MFN status on Hong Kong's economy is conveyed to senior members of the US Administration and as many legislators in the US Congress as possible, particularly the more influential ones. In carrying out this task, my colleagues in Washington also work closely with US businesses which have an interest in trading with or investing in China. Such efforts are supplemented each year by visits to Washington by Hong Kong Government officials. Where appropriate, the Government also coordinates the visits to Washington of prominent Hong Kong personalities as well as lobbying missions comprising representatives of Hong Kong's trade and industrial organisations; and assistance is provided to them on the spot by my colleagues in Washington.
The MFN status of China was renewed unconditionally in the past two years and this in no small measures has reflected the value of the efforts which have been put in by all. The main thrust and modality of the lobbying programme in connection with MFN renewal in 1996 shall follow those of previous years.
End
Disciplinary committees of professional bodies
Following is a question by the Hon Leong Che-hung and a reply by the Secretary for Works, Mr Kwong Hon-sang, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
In regard to the disciplinary committees of statutory professional bodies in the territory, will the Administration inform this Council:
(a)
which committees include laymen members;
(b)
which committees' disciplinary proceedings are open to the public; and
(c)
whether the administration will urge those statutory professional bodies which conduct disciplinary proceedings in camera to make such proceedings open to the public so as to enhance transparency and public accountability?