TNAG-1623-FCO40-2237-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 251

1

1

1

Not mere pieces of paper. Two way trade is already

twice the level of four years ago. It should be approaching

fl bn by the end of this year.

Greatly increased numbers of students now come from

China to Britain. With the Sino/British Friendship Scholar-

ship Scheme the numbers of students directly funded by the

British Government will double between the academic years

1986 and 1987.

This year has also seen the first Royal Fellows.

Most evident sign of our close relations has been the

visits by your top leaders in 1985 and 1986. Last year the

Queen made a truly memorable State Visit to China. Elspeth

and I, and you, privileged to participate in that wonderful

visit.

Visit produced some spectacular television pictures to

complement our growing knowledge of China through major

television series such as the Eye of the Dragon and now the

Silk Road. During your time we have been privileged to enjoy

visits from your central ballet, China Youth Symphony

Orchestra and Peking Opera.

To cope with ever expanding activity you opened a

Consulate in Manchester in 1986, just as we opened a

Consulate-General in Shanghai in 1985.

There is still more that can be done, plenty for your

successor to do.

- /...