TNAG-1871-FCO40-2659-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1989 — Page 101

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12. The international and Chinese participants came from a wide range of backgrounds and from different regions of the world. This ensured a broad, strategic perspective coupled with expert knowledge of the central issues the Agenda. It was not intended that such a varied group should reach consensus. In fact, each international participant was challenged to make his own personal comments and suggestions directly to the supreme leaders of China.

13. The formal purpose of the meeting was "to discuss the major changes in prospect in the nineties and identify their implications for the development of China" and "to bring the conclusions, ideas and proposals from different angles directly to the leadership."

14.

In his opening statement, Professor Ma Hong, the Chairman of the meeting, explained the Chinese intentions as follows: "We should analyse carefully the potential trends and make a sober-minded appraisal of all possible risks, in order to choose and follow what is advantageous and avoid what is disadvantageous, and guarantee the success of our modernisation.

II.

Substantive Discussions.

15.

The meeting was organised around five Agenda items, and short policy papers were prepared in advance by both the Chinese and the international sides on each one. These papers were not considered at the meeting but they did provide background to the discussions.

16.

This process of substantive preparation in China was extremely important. It ensured the active involvement and support of a wide range of Ministries and Research Institutes, not only in the meeting but also in the follow-up. Also, each Agenda item was chaired by an eminent Chinese participant with expert knowledge of the subject and a good command of English.

17.

The first focus of discussion, Agenda Item 1, was "The Effects of Technological Change on the World Economy under the chairmanship of H. E. He Kang, Minister of Agriculture.

18. The Chinese attach high priority to science and technology as a strategic element in modernisation, both in industry and in agriculture. The participants reviewed the technological changes which are transforming the world economy, and the internal problems, choices and opportunities which face China in science and technology.