As Hong Kong will continue its role as an international financial centre, it will become the most important funding centre for China and very likely for the Asian region as a whole. With the ongoing reform and open-door policy, the mainland of China has achieved sustained and strong economic growth. Our target for economic growth in 1996 is 8% but it could exceed 9%.
Inflation should be within the range of 7 to 8% for 1996. BIS Review 12/1997  -6-  The mainland of China’s growth will obviously benefit Hong Kong’s economy tremendously as we are its largest trading partner. The mainland of China is also one of the leading investors in Hong Kong, with total investment reaching $ 25 billion last year.