TNAG-1845-FCO40-2620-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 122

1989-04 20

14:00 G.1.S

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An

મન્ય

anormous

I mean which

at

life,

Own

ly point I would make is that Hong Kong is a place which changes

spood. So to look into the future

1iko 10 yours beyond 1997 is very hard. What I can say I think is more what I hope it would be like. And what I hope it will be like in 1997 is that Hong Коля will

then be well-prepared in order to start its Mife, its new An SAR of China with its high degree of autonomy running its affairs

as has been provided for in the Joint Declaration, doing with

a buoyant economy, an innovative economy, and doing it with some of the traditions that it has inherited from the present. And by that things like the legal system. which is crucial the way in the civil service operates, which is also crucial in my view, and then looking 10 years beyond I hope that it will continue in that

and that it will continue to be, or be even more way

than now. crucial

part of the economic system of Southern China or perhaps the whole

of China. by way of providing a centre for services, which 13 what Hong Kong is now evolving towards. it's evolving away from manufacturing industry towards a service centre. I would hope to see a Hong Kong which is playing a crucial role in the economic development and modernisation of China. And because of that. being able exercise to the full the autonomy that's been promised for

it. and provide to the full a good life and decent life for the people of Hong Kong.

0:

towards

23

And the final question. do you think that as We Nove the historic moment of 1997. ordinary Hong Kong citizene they go about their work and devote their efforts to their families. and their normal life, do you think that they would notice much difference as we move through that moment?

Governor:

I think. Chairman, that there is bound to be significant change, the fact that sovereignty changes and even things which may look more like flags changing, that will have an mpact on people's lives. But I hope that we can so manage things that the effect on day-to-day living will be as little change ag it Possibly can be, that, I'm sure, is what the people of Hong Kong would Wish.

David Howell:

Sir David. you led us through the whole

Vast range Of social. legal and political issues. constitutional Issues

and international issues with colossal expertise in which touched and which

I am gure the Committee enormously appreciates. We Of course look forward to seeing you in Hong Kong next month, and also You have kindly agreed to come to the further evidence session towards tho

end of our enquiry when we should be able to assess. illumination and help you have given, the

the

lod

to

Icture.

evidence

in

gather, and also put together, our views Thank you very much indeed.

again with that we've this complex

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