ENG-2000 — Page 417

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Hong Kong's Image Overseas

The Government's overseas public relations efforts are directed mainly at Hong Kong's major business partners in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. They are carried out through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) in Washington, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, London, Brussels, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney.

The Geneva HKETO deals with international trade issues under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It also liaises with the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The HKETOS (apart from Geneva) provide general news and information services, organise promotional activities, brief the media and produce press releases and newsletters for their different audiences. Information on Hong Kong is also made available through individual home pages on the Internet. The offices monitor media coverage and parliamentary and congressional debates on issues of interest to Hong Kong. They advise and assist the ISD in drawing up programmes for visitors to Hong Kong such as government officials, politicians, journalists and opinion-formers. In conducting their various activities, the offices work closely with the overseas offices of organisations such as the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Special Events

North America

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, visited Canada and the United States in April. Mr Tung began his tour in Ottawa and Toronto, urging Canadian companies to seek more business opportunities in Hong Kong and Asia. In addition to meeting the Prime Minister, Mr Jean Chretien, Mr Tung also met ministerial and provincial representatives, community leaders and journalists. The Prime Minister was reassured that the 'one country, two systems' principle would continue to be implemented in the HKSAR.

Moving on to the United States, Mr Tung made a one-day stop in New York, where he gave a keynote address at a luncheon organised by the New York HKETO, the Asia Society, the Hong Kong Association of New York and the National Committee on US-China Relations. He also attended receptions hosted by China's Consul-General and by the Economic Club of New York.

Mr Tung met President Bill Clinton at the White House in making his second visit to Washington, DC. He updated the President on the successful implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong's commitment to upholding the rule of law and free trade, and its economic recovery from the Asian financial crisis. Mr Tung repeated this message in meetings with other senior US officials and political leaders such as the Secretary of State, Mrs Madeleine Albright, the Senate Majority Leader, Mr Trent Lott, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Dennis Hastert.

The Chief Executive offered his support for congressional approval of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for China and its accession to the WTO. He addressed leaders of the business community at a luncheon organised by the US Chamber of Commerce on how PNTR would benefit not only Hong Kong but also

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