Yue still optimistic on MFN renewal
Trade and Industry Secretary Denise Yue Chung-yee believes the renewal of China's most favoured nation (MFN) trade status will have to overcome three problems that threaten to undermine trade relations between China and the United States.
Ms Yue was returning from a whistle-stop tour that included a meeting with US Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky and a short trip to Washington.
Ms Yue said the three issues were: Problems inside the US Congress over the handover where some members are concerned about China's attitude to human rights in Hong Kong; Investigations into illegal political contributions by the US Department of Justice which have linked China to the alleged donations; Opposition from religious groups to allegations China will not allow freedom of worship and religion in Hong Kong after the handover.
Despite the problems, Ms Yue said she remained optimistic China would win unconditional renewal of MFN status for another year.
She said the Hong Kong Government would keep lobbying US Congressmen following Governor Chris Patten's letter urging them to consider the importance of MFN to Hong Kong and China.
'The position of Hong Kong is crystal clear. We would like to see the US grant MFN status to China unconditionally for one year,' Ms Yue said.
There have been suggestions in the US that MFN should only be granted for three to six months to monitor China's attitude to Hong Kong after the handover.
