XN000022-1995-03-28 — Page 9

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7.

HK continues to attract companies

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, said Hong Kong continued to attract companies with a regional dimension to their operations because of its unrivalled connection to China and the Asia-Pacific Region.

Speaking at the Jebsen & Co Ltd's 100th anniversary celebrations today (Tuesday), Mrs Chan pointed out that Hong Kong was home to 714 regional headquarters, a significant increase from the 588 identified in 1992.

It offered one of the most business-friendly environments in the world, with a stable and low-tax regime, a sound legal infrastructure, and a labour force comprising some of the best-trained and hardest-working people in the region, she said.

Trading in goods and services was the lifeblood of Hong Kong, said the Chief Secretary, noting that it was the seventh largest trading entity in the world.

"Over the last decade, Hong Kong's trade with the rest of the world has increased five-fold, and in 1994, total trade exceeded HK$2,420 billion," she said.

She was delighted that Jebsen has chosen its 100th anniversary to establish an educational foundation to provide financial assistance to tertiary level students.

"Our human resources are our most precious asset and investment in the young people of Hong Kong will provide a lasting benefit to the territory," said Mrs Chan.

End/Tuesday, March 28, 1995

Joint Liaison Group to hold 32nd meeting

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of British Senior Representative of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group:

The 32nd meeting of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group will take place in Hong Kong on April 4, 6 and 7, 1995. The British team will be led by the Senior Representative, Mr Hugh Davies. The other members of the British team will be Mr Alan Paul (Counsellor, Office of the British Senior Representative, Sino-British Joint Liaison Group), Mr Nicholas Ng (Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Hong Kong Government), Mr Robert Peirce (Political Adviser, Hong Kong Government), and Mr Sherard Cowper-Coles (Head of Hong Kong Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office).

End/Tuesday, March 28, 1995