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Governor welcomes Philippine decision
The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, today (Wednesday) warmly welcomed the decision by the Philippine Government to grant visa-free access for SAR passport holders.
"This is very good news coming so soon after the similar decision announced by Canada, and will further strengthen the trade, business and tourism ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong. It is another important vote of confidence in the integrity of our passport issuing system and in the excellent travel records of Hong Kong passport holders.
"I am particularly grateful to President Ramos, who took a great interest in this issue when I first raised it with him during my visit to the Philippines in December 1995. This was reflected by the very positive discussions our Director of Immigration, Mrs Regina Ip, had with Philippine Government officials on two subsequent visits to Manila to press the Hong Kong case.
"The Philippines is now the second ASEAN country along with Singapore to grant visa-free access for SAR passport holders. I very much hope that the Philippine decision will be the precursor to similar decisions by other ASEAN countries."
The Governor noted that he had been informed of the decision by letter today from the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr Domingo L Siazon Jr., who will be visiting Hong Kong between April 3-5.
"I look forward to thanking Mr Siazon personally when he visits me at Government House on April 4," Mr Patten said.
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Governor visits Tuen Mun District
The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten and Mrs Patten, visited Tuen Mun this (Wednesday) afternoon to bring himself up-to-date on the latest developments in the district.
He was accompanied by the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, and the Tuen Mun District Officer, Mr Patrick Chan.