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Following is the full text of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the spring reception at Government House this (Monday) afternoon:

Ladies and gentlemen,

It has been twenty months since our reunification. With the full support from the Central Government, Hong Kong has successfully moved forward under the concept of "one country, two systems". Whilst we have been deeply affected by the unprecedented financial turmoil that has hit us and the rest of Asia and many parts of the world, the resilience, determination, and strong drive of the Hong Kong people and the steady growth of the Mainland economy have enabled us to overcome the challenges. I am confident that we will emerge in much better shape and forge ahead into a brighter future.

When I visited Switzerland last month, I had the opportunity to meet with international financial leaders in the fields of commerce, industry and finance. I am most pleased to learn that they have been confident about our stability and prosperity. They have also been reassured by the actions we took during these hard times. I hope we will all remain united and work towards a common goal to build a better Hong Kong for all of us.

END/Monday, February 22, 1999

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