TNAG-2606-FCO40-3797-International-support-from-Japan-regarding-the-future-of-Hon-1992 — Page 51

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PROVISIONAL TRANSLATION

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SPEECH OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER TOSIIKI KAIFU 24th SEPTEMBER 92

"JAPAN AND HONG KONG

PARTNERSHIP FOR THE 21st CENTURY"

1. INTRODUCTION

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to start by thanking this most distinguished cross-section of Hong Kong society for attending this luncheon today, and the three highly respected host organisations - The Japan Society, The Asia Society and The Hong Kong General Cham- ber of Commerce and Industry - for providing me with this oppor- tunity to say a few words on the relationship between Hong Kong and Japan. Also, as I understand that 1992 marks the 30th Anni- versary of the Japan Society in Hong Kong, I am doubly pleased to be here in the Territory at this memorable time for the Organisa- tion.

I think that anyone who has been to Hong Kong cannot help asking the same question: How оп earth is it possible for a territory as small as Hong Kong and as bereft of natural re- sources as the 1,000 square kilometre

square kilometre territory is, to have attained such a position of prosperity as Hong Kong enjoys today? Whilst in depth the answer to the question is complex, it is also

true to

to say that the astute visitor to Hong Kong will come to grips with the basis of this success in a matter of days.

The secret of success, if indeed it remains one any longer, stems from hard work, vitality and the continuing efforts of long Kong people to better themselves. These attributes are supported by the fact that the people of Hong Kong have been assured a stable environment in which they may develop their abilities to the greatest extent possible. Essentially, Hong Kong has adopted and consistently maintained a free-market economy which ensures competition and respects the creativity and ingenuity of the individual citizen. The outstanding Success of the Territory proves how right Hong Kong's forefathers were in introducing this market system, and it is no exaggeration to say that as a result, Hong Kong is one of the front-runners in the historic changes now taking place in the world.

Earlier this year, in July, the leaders of the seven indus- trialised nations met in Munich, where they adopted several declarations which in essence, blueprinted a code of conduct for nations in the era of post-East-West confrontation. The overall message that came out of

came out of the Munich Summit of G-7 was that the way has been opened for a new partnership of shared responsibili- ties in the world, and as such we are now entering an era where confrontation has given way to cooperation.