XN000022-1995-04-28 — Page 4

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"I am encouraged by the general air of optimism over Hong Kong and we will do everything we can to overcome the concerns that have been expressed," Mrs Chan said.

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The Chief Secretary has had discussions with more than 50 business leaders in three major meetings in Brussels with industrialists under the umbrella of the Belgian Foreign Trade Office; in the Hague through the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, one of the world's largest business enterprises; and in Dusseldorf through the Westdeutsche Landesbank, the third largest bank in Germany.

End/Friday, April 28, 1995

CS winds up a successful visit to Europe

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, concluded her visit to three European countries late today (Friday), heartened by the interest shown in Hong Kong by government and business leaders.

During her week-long visit, which took in Brussels, The Hague, Dusseldorf and Bonn, Mrs Chan has briefed prime ministers, members of parliament, other senior government officials and prominent businessmen about Hong Kong and the preparations being made for the transition to Chinese sovereignty in less than 800 days.

"In general, there has been a great deal of interest in Hong Kong, both in our current situation and, in particular, how we will function as a Special Administrative Region.

"Most of the people I have met are very optimistic about Hong Kong's economic prospects. But they expressed concern about our business environment after 1997 and whether our economic fundamentals will remain strong," Mrs Chan said.

The Chief Secretary explained the need to have in place before '97 the necessary legislative and administrative framework to ensure Hong Kong continued as a thriving international city.

Interest was also expressed in China, in particularly how the economy was performing. There was a general recognition of the potential of the vast Chinese market and the valuable role Hong Kong played in terms of access to China and Hong Kong's substantial investments in the country.