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second that this progress is sustained without interruption after the transfer of sovereignty in 1997.
These two aims should go together. We have managed to reconcile them so far. We must work with all concerned to build on this success.
Look forward to working with new LegCo and, as Prime Minister made clear in Hong Kong, discussing with them wide range of issues.
Believe JD is best basis for Hong Kong's future. We need all to pull together to make it work.
As Prime Minister said, this is a top priority for the British Government: reason for visit and for intensified contacts.
But you have crucial role to play.
Beyond 1997 we shall no longer have historic responsibilities for Hong Kong. But Britain will remain a major part of Hong Kong's economic success story. "British-owned, managed or controlled" companies are significant: stock market capitalisation estimated at over £20 billion: Swires, Jardines, Hong Kong Bank, C & W.
Will be building worthy new Consulate-General to symbolise our continuing commitment to Hong Kong's success.
Before and after 1997 Britain and China will have shared interest in success of Hong Kong. Illustration of that is the way Hong Kong's success spread into Southern China: Guangdong transformed in last 10 years. Cross border traffic
3 million in 1978 - 32 million in 1990.
Hong Kong enterprises employ 2 to 3 million Chinese workers. 86% of Guangdong investment comes from Hong Kong and about 6,000 Hong Kong managers work there. Guangdong is China's top exporting province, generating about 20% of China's foreign exchange (Guangdong's exports amounted to US$10 billion in 1990).
With 60 million people in Guangdong and 6 million in Hong Kong there is huge potential.
Relationship with China pre-1997 will have ups and downs. That is natural since we are still negotiating an immensely difficult transition in the JD framework.
Not sensible for investors to get cast into gloom at each twist in the road. The long-term future of Hong Kong is the key.
Change will come to China. can we or would-be investors build a policy on it. But the great likelihood is that China will become more liberal, both
We cannot say how or when. Nor
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