TNAG-2749-FCO40-3964-Economic-situation-in-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 55

can and will be further consolidated. Secondly, China, to which

sovereignty over Hong Kong is to be returned, is transforming

itself into a market oriented economy, while its economy is de-

veloping and expanding rapidly. China has huge potential to

change and develop, and this gives Hong Kong many more opportuni-

ties to take advantage of. Thirdly the importance of Hong Kong, I

believe, will increase further along with the development of the

Asia-Pacific Region as a whole, which has substantial potential

powers of growth. Hong Kong occupies the strategically important

place in the Region. There may be some ups and downs in Hong Kong

and in international surroundings in fact, Hong Kong has expe-

rienced many ups and downs in the past, but has overcome all the

difficulties and emerged stronger as a result. It is my strong

conviction that Hong Kong will do the same and move ahead fur-

ther, overcoming any hurdles which may appear.

(9) The fourth point I want to make is the promotion of mutual

understanding and trust between Hong Kong and Japan. I firmly

believe that the further strengthening of ties between Japan and

Hong Kong will contribute to the overall strengthening of the

position of Hong Kong in the future. In order

order to deepen our

relationship therefore, it is essential to promote mutual under-

standing and trust between us. And it is my strong intention to

further promote human interchanges between the two sides at all