XN000022-1995-12-01 — Page 9

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These included 23 agreements establishing international organisations in which Hong Kong participates, for example the Asian Development Bank, the World Health Organisation, the Customs Co-operation Council, the International Maritime Organisation, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. There were less than 20 treaties left for discussion, Mr Mathews said.

On bilateral agreements extended by the United Kingdom to Hong Kong in a variety of practical areas, such as extradition, investment promotion and protection, and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, Mr Mathews said agreement had been reached in JLG on model texts for Hong Kong bilateral agreements in areas such as investment promotion and protection, surrender of fugitive offenders, mutual legal assistance, and transfer of sentenced persons.

A number of bilateral agreements based on those model texts had already been signed. They included six Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements and three Surrender of Fugitive Offenders Agreements, Mr Mathews said.

"Further agreements have been initialled and are awaiting clearance in the JLG before signature.

"Negotiations are continuing as quickly as possible with additional partners in order that a reasonably comprehensive framework of bilateral agreements can be in place by July 1, 1997," he said.

He added: "Assuming timely agreement from the Chinese side on consultation papers now with them or still to be handed over, it should be possible to introduce localising Bills covering most of the UK enactments which apply to Hong Kong by late 1996 at the latest."

As regards the adaptation of laws, Mr Mathews said proposals for the adaptation of nearly 270 ordinances had been handed over to the Chinese side in over 60 papers. More papers were now being prepared.

He said much of the work was routine (for example, adapting terminology such as "the Governor"). But there were more complex matters (for example relating to Crown land, Crown proceedings, nationality and right of abode) which would require careful consideration before they were adapted.