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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has today (Wednesday) hosted a lunch for senior officials from the Central Government and the mainland's provincial and municipal authorities.

During the lunch, views were exchanged on new areas of co-operation between Hong Kong and the mainland.

The Government has invited 22 Central, provincial and municipal officials to attend the HKSAR first anniversary celebrations and the opening of the new international airport tomorrow (Thursday).

Mr Tung briefed the luncheon guests on the latest situation in Hong Kong. He said the robust economic development in the mainland had served as a good support for Hong Kong.

"The Government attaches great importance to improved co-operation with the mainland. We hope we can build on the existing foundation and develop new areas of co-operation," Mr Tung said.

Also present at the lunch were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang and the Secretary for Justice, Ms Elsie Leung.

End/Wednesday, July 1, 1998

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