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Overseas Aid Programme

29 November 1999

The Hon Mr Tung Chee-hwa
Chief Executive
Chief Executive’s Office
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region
5/F Main Wing
Central Government Offices
Lower Albert Road
Hong Kong

Dear Mr Tung,

OVERSEAS AID PROGRAMME

We are writing to propose that Hong Kong establish a permanent programme to distribute aid to overseas communities in need.

At present, Hong Kong has a Disaster Relief Fund which commenced operation in 1993. During the 15 months to 31 March 1998, the fund made 11 grants totalling HK$27 million for emergency relief in Mainland China and other parts of Asia. This fund is welcome, but the amounts of money it pays out are relatively small. Also, the scope of the fund, "disaster relief" is very narrow. Even at the height of an emergency, a relief programme should if possible be informed by, and contribute to, the longer term development policy. Inattention to the broader development context can lead to relief effort being wasted or even contributing to recurrence of the same disaster some time later.

We propose that the present Disaster Relief Fund be expanded in resources and scope into a full overseas aid programme with its own government department, similar to the aid programmes operated by developed countries. Notwithstanding the current recession, Hong Kong is a wealthy society and can easily afford to transfer resources to overseas communities in need. The humanitarian argument for overseas aid is inescapable for any community of means. For Hong Kong, which is highly dependent on international trade and investment, and cross-border flows of expertise and people, there is a further reason to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the global community. Thirdly, Hong Kong, given its special circumstances, should not overlook the opportunity through giving overseas aid to build up its stock of goodwill internationally, and to raise its profile as a "world-class city". And lastly, through the experience of operating an overseas aid programme, Hong Kong people will benefit from "technology transfer" from donor countries and broaden their exposure to global development issues.

As to the appropriate level of resources for the overseas aid budget, we understand that in 1997 on average developing countries devoted 0.22% of their GDP to aid. For Hong Kong, this would mean a budget in excess of HK$2 billion. We recognise that it may be difficult for the Administration to find a sum of this magnitude during difficult economic times, and so this figure could be a target to be worked towards over a substantial period.

We are aware that some might regard overseas aid as a political instrument and therefore a matter which would fall under the heading of "foreign policy" and so within the ambit of Beijing. We do not believe that this view is correct. Overseas aid should be distributed according to humanitarian and economic principles, not political ones. Also, much aid is channelled via non-governmental organisations with charters which are explicitly non-political. Nonetheless, it may be advisable to explain the proposed establishment of the overseas aid programme to the Central Government authorities. But after such initial explanation, the programme should operate on it own like other Government functions in Hong Kong. Actual disbursements of aid should not have to be referred to Beijing for case-by-case approval.

We hope that you will support this proposal. As Hong Kong matures, it is time for it to take on more responsibility within the global community; an overseas aid programme would be a good means for Hong Kong to do this.

Yours sincerely,

Alan Lung Ka-lun
Chairman