TNAG-2249-FCO40-3232-Hong-Kong-Trade-Development-Council-(HKTDC)-1991 — Page 15

this area will contribute greatly both to the future prosperity

of Hong Kong and to China's economic development as a whole.

(3, The Relationship between Hong Kong and Japan)

Thus far, I have spoken about the relationship between Hong

Kong and the Asia-Pacific Region, and between Hong Kong and the

South China economic area; now I would like to turn to the rela-

tionship between Hong Kong and Japan.

At the outset, I would like to say that the economic rela-

tionship is the mainstay of our relationship. Japan is one of the

largest trading and investing countries for Hong Kong; whilst

Japanese people constitute the biggest source of tourist income

for Hong Kong. With economic relations between Hong Kong and

Japan being so close, there is no doubt that Japanese economic

activities play a certain role in maintaining the prosperity of

Hong Kong. Because of this, I feel there are great expectations

of the Japanese here in Hong Kong.

On the 6th of November, the 14th Hong Kong Japan Joint

Economic Committee will be held here in Hong Kong. As you may know, this Committee has been playing a major role in the devel- opment of the bi-lateral economic relationship between Hong Kong

and Japan. I expect that economic ties will be further strength-

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