TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 151

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04.

In addition to the foreign policy aspects, do you see it as

part of your job to maintain business confidence in Hong Kong?

A4.

Yes: it remains crucial to Hong Kong's prosperity that

business confidence should be maintained. Business confidence is

high at present. We can best help to maintain that confidence by

working closely with the Chinese Government to ensure that the Joint

Declaration, with its guarantees for the continuity of Hong Kong's existing social and economic system and its lifestyle for 50 years

after 1997, will be fully and smoothly implemented. Hong Kong is in its way an economic miracle. That is good for Hong Kong and good

for all of us. We must on our part continue to ensure that Hong

Kong provides an environment in which business and enterprise can

thrive. Businessmen, for their part, will benefit if they keep

their nerve in the periodic ups and downs and there are sure to be

some in the years ahead.

Q5.

A5.

Have you visited Hong Kong in the past?

No: though I have long hoped to. It is a particularly exciting and challenging prospect for me that my first visit will take place in my capacity of Minister of State with special

responsibility for Hong Kong. I am greatly looking forward to the

visit ahead.

[Defensive: When do you intend to visit China?]

I have no plans at present. But I hope to make such a visit in the

not too distant future.

HONG KONG DEPARTMENT

7 September 1987

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