TNAG-1326-FCO40-1738-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 14

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15)

China could look very different 13 years from now when Hong Kong's economic system may well be more compatible with

that of the parent country.

16)

What do Deng Xiaoping's reforms and the end of Soviet-style

rigid state planning portend?

17)

They promise a progressive return to rewarding hard-working

individuals according to their efforts. Initiative and ingenuity are basic

to the character of the Chinese people.

18)

The reforms of the rural economy have been openly discussed

in the official press and the success of these reforms has been shown to

satisfy the rising needs of the peasants for manufactured goods, science

and technology as well as culture and education.

These benefits are now

promised to the towns thus indicating a different motivation and higher standard of living for the whole country.

19)

Today, youth in China occupies a privileged position. How will

they define responsibility and authority? What will be the effect of their

thinking on future generations? The relaxation of rigid state planning, the transfer of responsibility for running state companies from Government departments to local managers will release vitality and enterprise. Socialism with Chinese characteristics could well set an example to the rest of the world and bring about a better understanding.

20)

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To quote Chairman Mao "Mankind makes constant progress and nature undergoes constant change. They never remain at the same level. Therefore man has constantly to sum up experience and go on discovering, inventing, creating and advancing."

21)

Hong Kong can be regarded as the child of China, the son

sent to a Western school to absorb a foreign education. That son returns to his parent with learning gathered from Western contacts. He is a good son and desires to help his father and his father has that understanding necessary to bridge the cultural gap existing between two civilizations.

22)

As to Hong Kong itself, I see a gradual meshing of the gear wheels of progress. As industry expands, as joint ventures develop and as different systems cf mangement adapt to each other, so will physical development take place.

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