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Transcript of the Governor's media session
Following is the transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after visiting the Lantau Fixed Crossing construction site this (Friday) afternoon:
Governor: Fantastic bridge. I first came here in 1992 and stood on the hillside over there. There was absolutely nothing here except tapes on the ground indicating where the bridge was going to go. And I was last actually here during the construction 16 months ago. I think it is a remarkable engineering achievement. They are ahead of time. They will be one of the great pieces of architectural engineering in the world and a great bridge for Hong Kong and a great symbol for Hong Kong. Any questions?
Question: (on the possibility of meeting Zhou Nan)
Governor: I don't think there is any plan for that.
Question: (on Jardines)
Governor: But they have never left Hong Kong.
Question: (follow-up on Jardines)
Governor: That is a commercial matter which I wouldn't comment on. But they are one of the biggest firms in our local economy. They employ a lot of Hong Kong people. And I'm sure they'll continue to do so.
Question: (follow-up on Jardines)
Governor: We have a fair economy, fair to everyone. Nobody has got any privileges.
Question: (inaudible)
Governor: We've talked once again about Hong Kong and some of the challenges that Hong Kong faces. She is, as you know, totally committed to seeing the Joint Declaration implemented faithfully before and after 1997. I know that she is looking forward to being here on the 30th of June 1997 and I know that she'll look forward to returning after that as well. I always keep her extremely well briefed on what's happening in Hong Kong and I think she agrees completely with Foreign Secretary and me that it's in Hong Kong's interests and China's interests that there should be the maximum dialogue between officials and that there should also be a dialogue with all the political elements here in Hong Kong. That's the way one conducts affairs in a rational and civilised and constructive way.