TNAG-2264-FCO40-3261-Hong-Kong-Port-and-Airport-Development-Strategy-(PADS)-gener-1991 — Page 100

03-SEP-1991 07:09

JAMES LEE

PREMIER LI PENG/PRIME MINISTER MAJOR

UNDERSTANDING PEKING

PRIME MINISTER JOHN MAJOR:

-

MEMORANDUM of

3 SEP 91

P.05

Mr. Premier:

We have been able to discuss many matters last evening and this

morning but on this occasion we are here to sign a vitally

important document. This Memorandum of Understanding provides a

firm basis for building a modern airport to meet the expanding

needs of Hong Kong; it is the fruit of arduous negotiations; it

meets the principal concerns of all parties; on its initialling

and publication two months ago, it was widely welcomed in Hong

Kong and internationally.

The airport at Chek Lap Kok together with its supporting

infrastructure is a massive project. I am delighted that we have

with us today the Governor of Hong Kong and some of the senior

members of the Hong Kong Government; it is they who have the

overall responsibility for it. Work will now forge ahead. The

first main call for tenders has already been issued; all such

tenders will be open to international competition. I know that

Hong Kong's overriding concerns in the interests of Hong Kong

taxpayers are cost efficiency and reliability; I know, too, that

some first-class and experienced British companies are showing

keen interest; I very much hope that they will be able to meet

Hong Kong's criteria and be able to make a substantial

contribution.

I am glad to hear that Chinese enterprises are also

closely interested.