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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said that Hong Kong was held in high esteem in North America and that approval of Permanent Normal Trade Relations status for China by the US Congress would benefit world trade.
The Chief Executive said that Hong Kong was held in very high esteem by government and business leaders both in Canada and the US. He said that from his recent visit to North America, he had five major observations.
Firstly, the US Government and American business community clearly recognised the importance to the US of approving Permanent Normal Trade Relations status for China. While in Washington, the Chief Executive met with some 30 Senators and Congressmen. "We were able to put the Hong Kong case for the United States Congress to approve PNTR for China. We were able to reiterate that China's accession to WTO would definitely benefit the US, China and Hong Kong.
"With more lobbying work before Congress vote on the issue in the week of 22 May, there is a good chance that the PNTR legislation will be passed," Mr Tung said.
Secondly, the Chief Executive said that he was very impressed by the efforts made in Canada to improve the environment and to enhance the quality of its human resources through education.
"For six years in a row, Canada had been voted by the United Nations as the most desirable country for people to live in. Canada's efforts in education, culture and environmental protection have been key features in placing the country high in the global league table. We need to re-double our efforts in these areas to build a better future for Hong Kong," Mr Tung said. The Chief Executive affirmed the HKSAR Government's commitment to implement the measures set out in the Policy Address - "Quality People, Quality Home".
Thirdly, Canadian leaders recognised the importance of adopting a clear position in marketing the country internationally.
"Government and business leaders realise that to many people in Hong Kong, Canada is a destination for emigration. However, Canada has leading technologies in telecommunications, aviation and environmental industries which are not fully appreciated. Canadian leaders are very keen to promote these strengths of Canada internationally. We in Hong Kong should also focus on marketing Hong Kong internationally as Asia's world city and a major city in China," Mr Tung said.
Fourthly, the US economy went through a very difficult period of restructuring in the 1980's and 1990's. The successful application of innovation and technology has now driven the US economy in its longest expansion in history.
"In Hong Kong, we should also face economic restructuring with confidence. We should embrace innovation and technology to raise our competitiveness, to sustain our economic growth and to create more wealth for the people," Mr Tung said.
Fifthly, from his meetings with US President Bill Clinton, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, and with other government and business leaders, Mr Tung found that both the US and Canada valued very highly their trade and economic relations with Hong Kong. Leaders in both countries clearly recognised that "One Country, Two Systems" had been implemented successfully in Hong Kong. The Chinese communities in North America were very supportive of Hong Kong.
"We will continue to implement 'One Country, Two Systems' in Hong Kong faithfully and contribute to the reunification of the country," Mr Tung said.
Photo:Picture shows the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, speaking at the 25th Annual Dinner of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.
End/Wednesday, April 26, 2000
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