usual which they find there with the sometimes more pessimistic
views of those further afield. In Hong Kong itself 1997 is
increasingly and rightly seen as a time of opportunity and
looking forward not of retrenchment. There may be a number of
factors behind this. First there is the political dimension.
There is a realisation on the part of the average Hong Kong
citizen that we here in the UK are fully committed to the
implementation of the Joint Declaration. The Chinese Government
has repeatedly affirmed that it is similarly committed. Of course
there have been and will be continue to be differences of opinion
between ourselves and China in the run up to 1997. Yet these can
and will be resolved. There is no fundamental
interests.
conflict of
Indeed it is the similarity of interests which is the binding
force. Paramount among these are economic considerations. I have
already spoken at length about the very close economic links
which have developed between Hong Kong and China, and in
particular Hong Kong's immediate neighbour, Guangdong. It is very
much in the interest of that wider economic grouping, and
therefore of the Government of China for Hong Kong to remain
economically successful and, indeed, to develop its economic
strength further. Hong Kong are learning quickly how to live
together and to combine each other's skills and talents for long
term economic development. There can be no going back from this.
We are meeting this evening just a few weeks before the new
Governor takes up his appointment. Chris Patten is taking on the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.