TNAG-0764-FCO40-968-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Japan-1978 — Page 5

(vii) to form an economic cooperation committee with the

Publicity

Keidanren and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industr

to promote economic relations between Japan and

Hong Kong.

Information Services Department and International

Public Relations Co. Ltd. were responsible for the publicity

efforts and arrangements in Hong Kong and Japan.

H.E. the Governor and the Mission gave a press

conference in the Nippon Press Club on 22 November 1978.

The Press Statement (Appendix III) gave a resume of the

objectives and activities of the Mission in proposing to

Japanese Government and industrial leaders a new direction

for the future development of economic ties between Hong

Kong and Japan.

Other press interviews with H.E. the Governor and

members of the Mission were also arranged

at which

individual views on the purposes and achievements of the

Mission were raised.

On return of the Mission, Sir Y.K. Kan gave a

press conference and issued a Press Statement (Appendix IV).

Observations and Conclusions

The Mission received an enthusiastic and warm

reception from all quarters in the public and private sectors

The Japanese were well briefed and prepared to respond

positively on subjects raised by Mission members. The

trade associations in particular had useful suggestions to

make on improvements of economic relations between Japan

and Hong Kong. There were indications of a real and serious

interest in the trade and industrial investment opportunities

and potential which Hong Kong had to offer. It was clear

from discussions with Japanese Ministers and officials

/that

Pare 6

that there was no official impediment to the development of

closer economic relations.

The Mission seems to have prepared the way for

closer Japan/Hong Kong economic relations; but real progress

will depend upon active follow up.

kecommendations

The Assion recommends that the Hong Kong Trade

Development Council and the Trade Industry and Customs

Department should collaborate jointly to follow-up the

suggestions received by the Mission and to further develop

the links established in the public and private sectors.