HONG KONG: FORMER GOVERNOR CHRIS PATTEN VISIT

(17 Oct 2000) Cantonese/Nat

Hong Kong's last Governor Chris Patten is making his third public visit back to the territory he ran for five years until July 1997.

Patten is now the European Union's External Relations Commissioner and he's stopping over for two days in Hong Kong on his way to attend the Asia Europe Summit in Seoul.

Patten met Hong Kong's present leader, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, in what used to be the British Governor's House - Patten's old home in Hong Kong.

On the agenda were trade relations and visa-free access to European countries for Hong Kong citizens.

His Governorship was beset by controversy, as he attempted last-minute changes to Hong Kong's political system before handing over the territory to China's Communist government in Beijing.

Patten's policies enraged China's leadership because he was seen as trying to install a system of democracy that Hong Kong had never enjoyed under British rule.

But the last Governor enjoyed widespread public popularity.

Patten made trip to his favourite egg tart shop, where the owners remember him well.

SOUNDBITE: (Cantonese)
"He feels nostalgic coming back here to see us, it makes him happy, and everything's the same, my staff and I are working together well and the our tarts are just as delicious."
SUPER CAPTION Au Yeung Tin Yun, Bakery owner

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