LORD BELSTEAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
SPEAKING NOTE FOR BUSINESSMEN'S LUNCH
ANNEX C
1.
Very glad to be here. Pleased to be able to familiarise
myself with Hong Kong and meet leading personalities.
2.
Subject of future uppermost in everyone's mind. importance of Prime Minister's achievement in obtaining agreement for talks to begin with common aim of maintaining
prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. HMG confident that
solution satisfactory to all can be reached.
3.
Governor fully involved throughout, will participate in talks as and when necessary. Views of people of Hong Kong will
be taken into account. But talks must remain confidential.
Decisions taken there are the key ones.
4.
Hong Kong now very important market for British goods and
services, eg Castle Peak Power Stations 'A' and 'B',
participation in Mass Transit Railway and Kowloon-Canton Railway. HMG and UK firms keen to compete for other large contracts. Powerful commercial links between UK and Hong Kong a
measure of confidence in future.
5.
Britain a centre of technological innovation. Major exporter of industrial goods and financial and consultancy
services. Economy emerging from sticky patch. UK firms will be
leaner and more competitive in world markets.
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