The Better Hong Kong Foundation Organizes High-Level Delegation to the United States – To Deliver Messages of Progress and Confidence

A high-level delegation from the Better Hong Kong Foundation will leave for the United States on Saturday, September 12 to discuss economic and political developments in Hong Kong. Shortly following the one-year anniversary of the Handover in 1997, the delegation aims to update American leaders on Hong Kong’s state of affairs and to facilitate exchanges between those leaders in Hong Kong and the United States.

Led by Executive Councillor of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regional Government and Chairlady of the Foundation’s Executive Committee, Mrs. Nellie K. M. Fong, the delegation will visit Houston, TX, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA to meet respected Congressmen and other administration members, prominent business leaders, think-tank organizations, academics, and media representatives.

“The delegation’s mission is to foster better understanding between Hong Kong and the international community. High-level visits such as these have resulted in mutual respect, support, and most of all, an enhanced communication between East and West throughout last three years since the Foundation’s inception in 1995. We are continuing these efforts for the long-term benefits of our society,” said Mrs. Fong.

Other members of the delegation include Mr. Anthony Chow Wing-kin, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong; Mr. Daniel Fung, former Solicitor General of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government; Professor Lau Siu-kai, Associate Director of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies and Chairman of the Department of Sociology of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Mr. Andrew Sheng, Chairman-designate of the Securities & Futures Commission; Mr. Henry Tang Ying-yen, Executive Councillor of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government; and Mr. Eden Woon, Director of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The delegation will be accompanied by the Foundation’s Chief Executive, Mr. George Yuen Kam-ho.

“With rapid change in the economic and political environments in the region, the Foundation sees the need to brief our associates and colleagues in the United States on the exact situation in here and the latest measures taken by the government to stabilize the financial market here. Likewise, we will discuss how Hong Kong’s political and business leaders and the community are working together to manage the challenges we are currently facing,” Mr. George Yuen said.

“The delegation will share the approach taken by the Hong Kong Government and the community towards building a more competitive environment. Members will also exchange views on the political situation in Hong Kong, especially after the successful election of the Legislative Council in May,” added Mr. Yuen.

The delegation will meet Congressman Rick White (R-WA) and Congressman Jim Saxton (R-NJ) in Washington, DC, as well as The Honorable Robert Mosbacher, former Secretary of Commerce of the United States. Delegation members also will be received by Ambassador Micky Kantor, along with other political and investment communities leaders.

Mr. Harry Harding, Dean of George Washington University and prominent China Affairs Advisor, will host a special Hong Kong seminar for the delegation.

During the visit, the delegation will share their views on a wide range of Hong Kong policy issues with prominent think-tanks, including the Baker Institute, CSIS, the Heritage Foundation, and the Brookings Institution.

In addition to liasing with prominent political and business leaders, delegation representatives will meet with high-profile media such as Washington Post, Washington Times, Los Angeles Times, Investors Business Daily, and USA Today.

Symposia also will be held on Hong Kong’s competitiveness and constitutional developments at Rice University in Houston, TX, George Washington University in Washington, DC, and at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA.

As well-respected leaders in their professions, the delegation will offer authoritative and balanced views about Hong Kong.

The delegation will return to Hong Kong on September 19, 1998.

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The Better Hong Kong Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit, non-political organization, formed by leading Hong Kong business people. The Foundation aims to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as the regional leading financial, shipping trading, and communications centre. It also serves to enhance greater international understanding between East and West. The Foundation is committed to facilitating communication between Hong Kong and China and the international community.