TNAG-2248-FCO40-3231-Trade-investment-conferences-concerning-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 88

up in the past few years. The trade volume last year

14% higher than that of the previous year. Maybe

is

was

this

one of the important reasons why many transnational

corporations set up offices or their Asian headquarters

in Hong Kong.

After 1997, this geographic advantage, which is unique

to Hong Kong, as compared to the other three "small

tigers" in Asia, will not only remain but also play a

much greater role since the ties between Hong Kong and

the Mainland are

China's further

surely play an

regard.

bound to be much closer. And with

reform and opening-up, Hong Kong will

increasingly important role in this

practises socialism

play the role of a

Here, I want to call your attention to the fact that

it is precisely because the Mainland

that Hong Kong is thus able to

bridge between the two different systems and

its

prosperity and stability thus guaranteed. At present,

people may not fully

realize the essence of this

convinced that with the

question; however, I am

implementation of "one country, two systems", more and

more people will come to recognize it.

open

Secondly, Hong Kong has established a completely

economy according to its local conditions, thus

providing a great

space for international economic

activities.

4