We suggested recently the setting up of an Industrial Committee under the Trade and Industry Advisory Board so that more emphasis can be given to solving the problems and future needs of industry.
However, this suggestion has not been accepted by Government and we can only assume that Government is still quite over-zealous in its concern to maintain centralized control over the economy of Hong Kong.
It is becoming more apparent that there is an imperative need for Government to set up a separate Industrial Development Council for the purpose of coordinating the needs of industrial expansion, to carry out long-term industrial research and to more vigorously encourage overseas interests to come here to invest in industries of a higher technological content, with access to markets not yet open to Hong Kong.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
As our community becomes more sophisticated socially and economically, there should also be modernization of the local political institutions of Government which are already creaking with too much centralized bureaucracy.
While always keeping in mind our special geopolitical situation, the Civic Association is nevertheless committed to reforming the local over centralised administration into a more up-to-date and dynamic system suitable to a modern and international city like Hong Kong, in which Hong Kong people will be able to participate in the Government with a sense of responsibility and of commitment.
Internally, the Civic Association will continue to urge the Government to steadily move ahead towards giving local people wider responsibility in municipal affairs, both in the Urban Council and the Legislative Council, with regard to subjects such as social welfare, education, medical services, and public transport.
Externally, the Civic Association will do everything in its power to preserve Hong Kong's status as a non-aligned international city, under the protection and overall responsibility of the British Government.
CONCLUSION
Within the next 2 or 3 years, Britain may join the Common Market. If that happens, Hong Kong should not expect any special privileges from the Common Market countries. We will have to rely more upon our own resources and energies for continued industrial growth and expansion of our export trade. Therefore, let us begin to rely more upon our own efforts and abilities, and to make our own decisions wherever we can, as they affect our economic, social and political future.
Towards this end, the Civic Association is committed to a continuous process of progressive change and modernization for Hong Kong and her people.
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