CONFIDENTIAL
SITUATION REPORT: CONFIDENCE-PROMOTING MEASURES
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
The U.K. and P.R.C. continue to discuss in the Joint Liaison Group the issue of Hong Kong membership in international organizations.
Canada would support the application for membership by Hong Kong in a number of international organizations.
Hong Kong was accepted as a member of PECC in 1990.
Canada continues to pursue the possibility of Hong Kong participation in APEC meetings.
AGREEMENTS:
MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE (MLA): Agreement on cooperation in drug enforcement went into effect 17 February 1991. An extradition agreement is under negotiation, while a comprehensive MLA and transfer of offenders agreement are still under consideration.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROTECTION (FIP): John Chan, Secretary of Trade and Industry, indicated January 23, that there can be no agreement until after discussion of the issue in the JLG. In May, the Hong Kong authorities expressed optimism that the Chinese would agree to a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement. Potential problem areas with the PRC will be coverage of Hong Kong-born Canadians who maintain substantial investments in the Territory and a mechanism to extend coverage of the agreement for 15 years beyond 1997.
FILM COPRODUCTION AGREEMENT: Communications Canada has prepared a final draft Memorandum of Understanding (Hong Kong preference). Decisions will be taken soon on the timing of the signing.
ECONOMIC AND TRADE AGREEMENT: Hong Kong is reviewing a draft agreement which Canada provided in November. Once they agree in principle with such an agreement, formal Ministerial approval will be sought and planning will begin on a meeting of officials.
SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT: EAITC will investigate the possibility with HWC of having a social security agreement.
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