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"As we move inexorably towards July 1, 1997, I believe that we are in pretty good shape to face the future.
"I do not advocate blind optimism about the future, neither do I believe in total despair. We have to recognise the problems and face up to them.
"My message is that one can do that and still be positive about the future.
"We forecast continued growth of five per cent per annum in the short to medium term, that is provided we are not knocked off course by any trade dispute between the US and China, our two largest trading partners.
"Unconditional extension of MFN to China is crucially important to us, particularly at this sensitive period of our transition.
"We need a strong economy to sustain confidence in our ability to exercise a high degree of autonomy after July 1997.
"We therefore warmly welcome President Clinton's decision to renew MFN," said Mrs Chan.
The Chief Secretary said she was delighted to find a strong interest in Hong Kong wherever she went in the United States, and Dallas was no exception.
Mrs Chan began the day with a breakfast meeting with the Mayor of Dallas, Ronald Kirk. Mayor Kirk also made the opening remarks at the business seminar.
The business seminar marked the second in a series of three. The first took place on June 5 in New York City and another is scheduled for June 11 in Los Angeles.
During the day, Mrs Chan made other civil, media and business calls. In the evening, she officiated at the opening of the Hong Kong Film Festival and the premiere of the movie Stage Door (Hu-Du-Men) at Dallas' Sony Theatre. The event was attended by film star Anita Yuen and Director Shu Kei.
On Saturday, the Chief Secretary will officiate at the "Hong Kong Salutes Fashionable Dallas" fashion show organised by the HKTDC, before flying to Los Angeles.
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