The outgoing United States Consul-General to Hong Kong says the US will be working with the SAR to ensure the region is prepared for economic recovery.
Richard Boucher also backed China's eventual succession to the World Trade Organisation which he said would present an enormous opportunity.
As he prepares to leave Hong Kong after three years as the top US diplomat, Mr Boucher noted only last week: 'I think Hong Kong is a great place. More importantly, we in the United States want to do everything we can to ensure that Hong Kong continues to be a success. As Hong Kong works out its future, Americans will be more than disinterested bystanders.' 'Hong Kong remains a centre for investment for the region. Much of the funding for revitalisation will come from Hong Kong and the United States, many of the deals will be done here. As a result, both of us will probably end up with an even greater stake in the region than ever before in terms of ownership, investment and involvement,' he said.
'Much of the expertise about marketing, manufacturing and distribution in China is here in Hong Kong. The United States has the technology, the design capabilities and the managerial excellence. It's a natural partnership.' But Mr Boucher insisted: 'If Hong Kong is going to realise these gains, there are some things it will need to do', in areas where the reality of Hong Kong's free- market 'lags behind the image'.
There have also been some sour periods in Sino-US ties. Hopes are high that Disneyland may come to the rescue of tourism, but visits by American warships are suspended following the Chinese Embassy bombing in Belgrade - a definite blow to the industry.
As Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan Fang On-sang, last month drummed-up morale in the US, and a new Hong Kong/US Business Council was founded to boost trade links, Washington continued protesting about persistent copyright infringements, most blatantly illustrated by the widespread availability of 'pirate' VCD movies and computer software.
