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Transcript of the Governor's press conference

Following is a transcript of a press conference given by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Manila, on Monday (December 11):

Governor: Do you want to go straight into questions rather than an opening statement? You heard my speech earlier. I am delighted to be making this first official visit by a Governor of Hong Kong to the Philippines. I was very grateful for the President's invitation and I much enjoyed my discussion with him this morning. We discussed, obviously, the growing economic trade relationship between Hong Kong and the Philippines; growing at the rate of 25% a year. We discussed the substantial --

(Interruption by members of the press)

Governor: I am delighted that I was able to accept the President's invitation to visit the Philippines. There is a very strong economic relationship between Hong Kong and the Philippines, manifested both in our trade which is growing at about 25% a year as shown, as well, in the investment by Hong Kong in the Philippines - last year US$290 million was invested here from Hong Kong and shown, as well, by the very substantial contribution which the Filipino community makes to our well-being in Hong Kong.

We have got common interests in APEC, which I was able to discuss with the President this morning. We have got some issues that we have not yet resolved - like concluding an Air Service Agreement, which I hope we will be able to manage in the New Year. And we have got much that we share, both in terms of our values as well as in terms of our commercial activities. So it is a useful visit for me. I am looking forward to further meetings with political and business leaders, and, of course, to my visit to Subic Bay tomorrow. Questions?

Questions: Mr Governor, during your meeting with President Ramos this morning, did you discuss with him the issue, or did you appeal for the pardon of Hong Kong national Paul Au? Did you discuss that issue with him then?