TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 317

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SPEECH

BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE AT LUNCH WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS:

30 MAY 1988

1. I am delighted to be back in Hong Kong. It occupies a very

special position among my concerns as Foreign Secretary, and among

the foreign policy priorities of the British Government. Although I

have paid only brief visits here since the negotiations of 1984, I

have followed very closely the developments in the eventful years

since the Joint Declaration was signed.

2.

It is a truism that travellers returning to Hong Kong marvel

at the pace of change. But change in a deeper sense is Hong Kong's

reality. It is also the theme of my present visit.

3.

On the surface

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physical change, as rapid and spectacular as

anywhere in the world. This afternoon I shall be briefed on

ambitious plans to adapt Hong Kong's infrastructure to the demands

of the twenty-first century. And I look forward to visiting what

has recently become the busiest container port in the world.

4. A far sighted government and a dynamic private sector are working together to strengthen the role which Hong Kong plays in the region. It is entrepot; communications hub; catalyst for economic

expansion. Hong Kong's influence is a power ful stimulus for change

throughout South China and will assist the planned development of

the whole of China's coastal zone. It will also contribute to

making the Pacific Rim perhaps the fastest growing region of the

world in the years ahead.

5.

Under the surface social change. Hong Kong's strength has

always been its people. Now they are better housed, healthier,

better educated than ever before. I look foward to seeing tomorrow at Hong Kong Polytechnic how the next generation are being trained to use the next century's technology.

6.

With social change there has come a natural desire to participate more closely in the territory's administration. We

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