TNAG-2791-FCO40-4030-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China.-With-maps-1993 — Page 109

2.

played an important role. through the Border Liaison Group.

in

helping to

bottle-necks in

resolve

bureaucratic

of the respect

problems

vital cross-border

and

ease

flow

of

goods, vehicles and people.

So there is a danger that a formal Hong Kong-China

Economic Co-operation Committee might be ociose.

Alternatively,

matters

it

which

are

be might

10 tempted

probably best

handled

involve itself

directly by

in

businessmen, or to stray into joint planning of economic

infrastructure:

an

area

with fraught

potential pitfalls.

While Hong Kong clearly must have a prudent regard to infrastructure developments in China and particularly in our

neighbouring provinces,

it is crucial that

our

planning

decisions are guided first and foremost by what is in Hong

Kong's best interests.

In short, 3 formal Hong Kong-China Economic

Co-operation Committee is

not a course

we would favour

pursuing for the time being. I am nevertheless grateful for

the thoughtful and constructive nature of your suggestion.