TNAG-1754-FCO40-2474-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 265

CONFIDENTIAL

ARPAJA (2)

Background

1. A group of businessmen have proposed that the territory should host a World Exhibition (Expo) in 1997 which would span the transfer of sovereignty. The idea has been widely publicised and has been

favourably received in Hong Kong.

2.

Despite its obvious attractions, the practical and political problems involved would be enormous. It is far from clear whether

the basic conditions (site, infrastructure) exist in Hong Kong for it to host such an event, or whether the necessary finance would be available. If the project was launched and then failed to gain support, the effect on confidence would be the opposite of that intended. The practicability of the idea is currently under consideration in Hong Kong. No conclusions have been reached.

3.

At the most recent twice-yearly meeting of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) the controlling body for exhibitions on 31 May. The only reference to Hong Kong was by the BIE President in a list of possible bidders for the post 1992 slot. No formal bid or expression of interest was requested or made by the British representative. This in no way precludes the UK from making a bid on Hong kong's behalf should the Hong Kong Government feasibility study currently under way conclude that it is a viable

course of action.

a deadline for bids. The meeting was not

4.

was The chief business of the meeting on 31 May

a proposed amendment to the BIE Protocol which will have the effect of limiting the number of EXPOS in future by introducing after 1992 a single category, and determining that from 1 January 1995 the interval between two registered exhibitions must be at least 5 years: the first exhibition may be held in 1995. The amendment was supported by 29 countries with only 2 against. The UK vote for the reform, which we have supported since its inception some years ago, because of our concern, shared within the BIE, at the high cost of Expos. The UK's vote provoked some banner headlines in Hong Kong declaring that Britain had thus effectively destroyed Hong Kong's chance of hosting an EXPO in 1997.

CONFIDENTIAL