G.F. 326
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common customs area, or a common market, with the Delta
region must be resisted. A well-enforced border
separating Hong Kong physically from Shenzhen and areas further north is a crucial safeguard of the autonomy promised to Hong Kong and of the standard of living of Hong Kong residents.
16.
The ability of the Hong Kong economy to adjust flexibly and efficiently to changing external and internal circumstances is important for the preservation of the external competitiveness of Hong Kong's products. Growing competition from China's exports has accentuated the need for flexibility of adjustment. Further, as the economic links with China grow closer, the possibility of the Hong Kong economy being adversely affected by political or economic changes in China will become greater.
17.
In order to counter the competitive pressures likely to be exerted on Hong Kong's manufacturing industries as a result of industrial development in the Pearl River Delta region, it is necessary to ensure that Hong Kong's products and production processes are upgraded and diversified on a continuous basis. The objective is to ensure that, despite their prices being higher, Hong Kong's products remain ahead of similar products from China in terms of quality. The Government has been allocating funds to provide industrial training and to promote the application of techniques and processes that can raise productivity. More will probably need to be done in this direction.
18.
In line with the growing economic relations with China and the development of Hong Kong as a major financial centre, there is likely to be a continued shift in employment from manufacturing to services. Hong Kong's educational and training institutions will have to adjust
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