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A key area of the Basic Law is the chapter on the future political structure. It is understandable that this section should have become the focus of debate in Hong Kong. Its provisions will have a crucial effect on what Hong Kong people think about the Basic Law as a whole. It is right that the community should have expressed its views fully and vigorously. It is encouraging that, in the search for consensus and compromise, a number of constructive proposals should have emerged from the community in Hong Kong. This is very much to Hong Kong's credit.
The debate on the Basic Law has naturally stimulated interest in Hong Kong's constitutional development before 1997. In taking our decisions about this we must take full account of the evolution of opinion in Hong Kong. We must do our best to ensure that the changes we make match the aspirations of this society.
What is certain is that Hong Kong will achieve in 1991 a momentous change in the way it is governed by taking the first steps in directly elected democracy. What is also certain is that these steps will be bigger than was proposed by us two years ago in the White Paper. If possible, the system we establish before 1997 should be part of a process which will continue in the years thereafter. That would be the best prize. We are not interested in scoring debating points. We want to start a process of democracy in Hong Kong which will attract sensible people of good will to play a full role in political life. This is most likely to be achieved if they can see that it will continue and progress after 1997. No other approach would serve as well the wider and longer term interests of Hong Kong.
I have touched on some of the difficult decisions which we have taken, or will need to take before long. But I do not see Hong Kong as a series of problems. On the contrary, it is an amazing success story with great prospects. Neither we nor you should play down these prospects.
I am particularly conscious of the economic and commercial importance of Britain ́s relationship with Hong Kong. As the eleventh largest trading entity in the world, Hong Kong must be taken seriously as a market in its own right, not just as a gateway to China - important though that is. Hong Kong buys more goods per head from the United Kingdom than from the rest of the European Community put together. The work of the Senior British Trade Commissioner, Peter Heap, and his staff is crucial. That is why I am making a point during my visit of seeing for myself his operation and meeting representatives of the business community here. We want to encourage British companies to play the fullest possible part in Hong Kong's future. We are determined to build a greater share of this important market.
This is not a short term strategy. British interests in Hong Kong will continue well beyond 1997. We are working urgently on plans to establish a substantial representation after 1997, to match our continuing interests in the territory. I know that the British
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