GOVERNOR Chris Patten is to make his first official visit to South Korea beginning on Sunday followed by a third trip to Japan to boost economic and trade ties with the two major Asian economies.
Mr Patten will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Dr Han Sung-joo, senior government leaders and ministers as well as business leaders during his three-day visit.
Mr Patten will deliver a keynote speech on the future of Korean-Hong Kong economic co-operation at the second joint meeting of the Hong Kong/Korea and Korea/Hong Kong Business Round-Table.
The Governor will visit Japan for four days after his Seoul trip.
He will meet Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, other senior ministers and prominent businessmen. A government spokesman said the visit to South Korea and Japan was part of a programme by the Governor and other senior government officials to promote Hong Kong's long-term economic and trade prospects in the international business community.
A senior Japanese diplomat said it was important for the Governor to maintain the interest of Japanese politicians and businessmen in the territory so that 'they won't forget Hong Kong'.