Setting Up Of A Csis Hong Kong Core Group To Look Into Various Aspects Of Development Of Hong Kong In the Run- Up To 1997 And Beyond

The Better Hong Kong Foundation (BHKF) has agreed to participate in a study by a prominent US policy research institution: the Center of Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in setting up a Hong Kong Core Group to look into various aspects of development in Hong Kong in the run-up to 1997 and beyond with an aim of achieving in the United States a better and comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong.

The “CSIS Hong Kong Core Group” was formally inaugurated in Washington on 19th June (Wednesday). Key representatives of BHKF and CSIS attended the inauguration. They included Trustee of the Foundation Mr Walter Kwok, Advisory Council member Mr Aron H. Harilela, Chairman of the Executive Committee Mrs Nellie Fong, Chief Executive Miss Leonie Ki, Dr Gerrit Gong of CSIS and CSIS International Councillor Mr Tung Chee-hwa.

The CSIS Hong Kong Core Group will initially comprise 20 to 25 key and influential figures who are interested in and have familiarity with Hong Kong and China affairs. They include members of the U.S. Senate and House Representatives, leading, business people, members of various think tanks, and scholars. It is anticipated that the core group will expand in size in the future.

It is expected that duration of the study conducted by the core group will span 1996, 1997 and 1998. A report on the findings will be published for the benefit of leading political and business figures as well as other policy makers. The study will also pave the way for CSIS to strengthen co-operation and communication with policy makers, other research institutes, and think tanks on Hong Kong issues.

Topics to be covered by this study include: Hong Kong’s legal system, civil service, competitiveness, economic prospects and investment climate, laissez-faire policy, free trade, democratic progress, human rights, immigration policy, and other existing policies.

The group will not only host discussions and exchange views with representatives of various sectors coming from Hong Kong, but will also visit the territory in order to examine and understand first hand Hong Kong’s situation, and gain a deeper insight into the values of Hong Kong.

The purpose of the study is to broaden and strengthen U.S., China and Hong Kong ties prior to, during and after the 1997 transition. The Foundation believes that interactive dialogue and understanding among the three places will create sound and mutually beneficial economic ties that will be conducive to Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.