?!
- 2 -
The annual growth rate for heavy industry is 8 to 9%
and for other industries it is 7 to 8%. A Japanese econom- ist, after a visit to China, has remarked that the industrial
growth rate in China is of top rank.
Inevitably, Mr Ke also talked about the future of HK.
Mr Ke reiterated the stand of the Chinese Government.
Sovereignty over HK rests in the hands of China. HK is
part of the undividable territory of China. There is absolutely no room for negotiation on the point of sovereignty and the unequal treaties must be abolished.
Mr Ke revealed that Britain had requested to extend the period of administration over HK for 15, 30 or even 50 years but this was firmly turned down by the Chinese
Government.
Mr Ke categorically stated that on 30th June, 1997, the British Government must leave HK, and not a day could be
extended.
He then stated China's policy on HK's future as being no changes in its capitalistic system, its legal system, the way of living of the people and its position as an inter-
national financial centre.
Mr Ke said that when Mr Fung King-hei lunched with him, they had talked about the question of HK. His remark to Mr Fung was: "After 1997 you will be earning your profits in the same way as you are doing now."
He pointed out clearly that renminbi would not be used as the HK dollar is already an international currency. Details like changing the British emblem and the portrait of the Queen will be dealt with later.
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