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Following is the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa's National Day message :

Today we celebrate the 49th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to salute to our motherland on this joyous occasion.

This summer, our country faced the test of our severest floods in a century. Under the able leadership of the Central People's Government, the Chinese people have joined together in the fight against the cataclysm. We in Hong Kong have also sent relief to our mainland compatriots affected by the floods.

Our country has indeed undergone tremendous changes over the past 49 years, having transformed from a destitute, under-developed and humiliated country to an increasingly powerful state with a high international standing. The living standard of the Chinese people has been improving and the development of our country has been widely recognised throughout the world. Our achievements today provide us with the means to combat the floods and rebuild the areas affected. As a huge country with a population of 1.2 billion, the stability and growth of China has contributed to the development of the entire world. I am therefore greatly honoured to be a Chinese and take immense pride in the development of our country.

The Asian financial crisis which started a year ago has caused considerable impact to our economy and we are facing the most serious challenges in recent decades. However, I am confident that with the tenacity, flexibility and creativity of the Hong Kong people, together with our sound economic fundamentals, a responsible government and the staunch support of our motherland, we can overcome these challenges and revive our economy. We will resolutely advance towards our goal of enhancing the prosperity of our country and our people.

May I take this opportunity to wish our country every prosperity and a brighter future for Hong Kong.

End/Thursday, October 1, 1998

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