CS hears upbeat assessment of Hong Kong during London visit

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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, said in London today (November 20 UK time) that Britain's political and business leaders remained very upbeat about Hong Kong's future.

Speaking after a two-day visit that included a wide range of political calls, speeches and media interviews, Mr Tsang said there was strong interest in Hong Kong's economic, political and social development.

He said political and business leaders remained well informed about Hong Kong and eager for updates on many areas, including Hong Kong's latest economic situation, increased co-operation with the Pearl River Delta, how Hong Kong would benefit from China's accession to the World Trade Organisation and constitutional development.

"I was very encouraged by the reception I have received in London over the past two days," said Mr Tsang.

"There is strong interest in what is happening in Hong Kong. We are still very much on the radar screen.

"And there is not only interest in economic development and business opportunities. Those I spoke with were very well-informed and interested in how we were developing as a society under 'One Country, Two Systems'".

Mr Tsang said there was general agreement that Hong Kong was well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities flowing from China's accession to the World Trade Organisation.

Hong Kong's respected legal system, its clean civil service, the free flow of information, a stable currency and a level playing field for business were recognized as important strengths that Hong Kong should protect and leverage, Mr Tsang said.

There was also admiration for the spirit, acumen and entrepreneurial flair of Hong Kong people.

"I did explain that we were going through as rough patch at the moment, like many other economies affected by the global downturn," said Mr Tsang.

"I outlined how the government was trying to alleviate the short-term pain by bringing forward public works projects to create short-term jobs.

"I also explained how we were investing a large amount of time and money in improving our education system, in boosting English and Chinese standards and in providing more training and retraining opportunities.

"Those I spoke with understood that we were suffering a downturn but they were not unduly worried. They believed that compared to other economies in the region we were doing quite well.

"And they also had confidence in the abilities and spirit of Hong Kong people to weather the current problems and to pave the way for another phase of economic growth and development in the medium to long term."

During a day of political calls, Mr Tsang met with Britain's Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt, the Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine of Lairg, the Leader of the Opposition Mr Iain Duncan Smith, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats Mr Charles Kennedy and the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir John Kerr.

Mr Tsang also had a breakfast meeting with the Hong Kong Committee of the All-Party Parliamentary China Group and delivered a keynote speech at a Hong Kong Association lunch.

Mr Tsang leaves London on November 21 (UK time) for Paris, where he is due to meet President Jacques Chirac and senior members of the French Government before leaving for Brussels in the afternoon.

Ends/Wednesday, November 21, 2001

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Photo 1:Mr Donald Tsang holds talks with the Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Mr Charles Kennedy, in London.
Photo 2:Mr Donald Tsang holds talks in London with Britain's Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt.
Photo 3:Mr Donald Tsang holds talks with the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg.
Photo 4:Mr Donald Tsang delivers a keynote speech at a Hong Kong Association lunch in London.