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CONTINUITY AND CHANGE: MEETING ECONOMIC NEEDS
"A major reason we have almost doubled our GDP in real terms since 1984 is the momentum of economic development in the mainland of China over this period. Hong Kong has been uniquely placed to take the fullest advantage of the business opportunities created by economic modernisation and the "open door" policies." (Para 26)
"Hong Kong has long had a clear understanding between the Government and the business community that business decisions are best left to entrepreneurs and investors. The Government's job is to provide the right environment for business to grow." (Para 27)
Future Forecasts
"We are forecasting for this year 5.5 per cent real growth in GDP, 8.5 per cent increase in merchandise exports and 8 per cent increase in exports of service, and 7 per cent increase in inflation." (Para 28)
"1997 promises to be another year of sound, sustainable growth. This will ensure solid growth in employment, new business opportunities and good profits across the economy as a whole." (Para 29)
"To contain the pressures on our labour and land resources, we will have to continue our battle against inflation. This underlines the importance of the Government maintaining the tightest control over public spending and pursuing maximum value for money throughout the public sector." (Para 29)
Helping Business
"Hong Kong thrives by deliberately leaving as much room as possible for enterprise and innovation." (Para 30)
Services Promotion
"I intend to form a new high level Services Promotion Strategy Group to give an overall steer on the way to make sure Hong Kong remains the services centre par excellence in the region, and indeed the world." (Para 38)
New Unit
"I propose to create a new unit to take responsibility for both Helping Business and Services Promotion. It will not be some far flung quango. It will be part of my own office and its head will report directly to me." (Para 39)