TNAG-1752-FCO40-2472-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 98

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MTHAFK

CIVIL AVIATION

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Implementation of Joint Declaration: Air Services Agreements (ASAs)

1. I am pleased to inform the House that the exercise to separate Hong Kong's air service arrangements from those of the United Kongdom is running smoothly. The aim is to establish provisions which are capable of remaining in force after 1997 in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Declaration. Aviation is an

important area for Hong Kong.

2.

The first such ASA, between Hong Kong and the Netherlands, was signed on 17 September 1986. It came into force on 26 June 1987. A HK/Switzerland ASA was

signed on 26 January in Hong Kong. Negotiations are continuing with a number of Hong Kong's other aviation partners.

UK/Hong Kong Air Services Review

1. Discussions continue

between HMG and the Hong Kong

Government to review bilateral air service arrangements.

2. I cannot predict what will be the outcome. We are naturally seeking an outcome which will substantially accommodate the interests of each side.

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