The Chief Secretary said she was quite overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception the Hong Kong delegation had received.
The Promotion draws to a close in the southern city of Fukuoka tonight with a pop concert which will be telecast live throughout Japan and Hong Kong and featuring such stars as Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok and Sally Yeh and Japanese artists including Shinji Tanimura, Hideki Saiijo and Akina Nakamori.
Mrs Chan said the response to the business seminars and workshops in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka had been extremely good, attracting a total of about two and a half thousand businessmen.
The four workshops dealing with financial services, the airport and other infrastructure projects, tourism and high-tech manufacturing had also been packed with business leaders wanting to get more detailed information on specific areas of interest.
"In general, Japanese businessmen are extremely optimistic about our economic prospects. But their concern centres on what Hong Kong will be like after 1997 and in particular whether Hong Kong can remain as it is after sovereignty reverts to China.
"We have been able to reassure them that we are doing everything we possibly can in co-operation with China to ensure there is a smooth transition," Mrs Chan said.
Earlier today, the Chief Secretary had meetings with the Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Mr Wataru Aso, and the Mayor of Fukuoka City, Mr Keiichi Kuwhara, before giving a keynote speech at the final business luncheon.
Following a press conference, Mrs Chan officially opened an exhibition of Contemporary Hong Kong Paintings featuring the works of 42 well-known artists, including her mother, Fang Zhao-ling.
During the opening ceremony, she said cultural activities played an important role in enhancing the quality of life in any community.
"And this is certainly true in Hong Kong where we aim for an environment in which diversity, freedom of expression and artistic creation can thrive," said the Chief Secretary.
End/Friday, September 29, 1995.
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