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Following is the full text of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the dinner hosted for the President of Israel, Mr Ezer Weizman, at Government House this (Wednesday) evening:
Mr President, Mrs Weizman, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you, Mr President and Mrs Weizman to Hong Kong.
As a former pilot, Mr President, I am sure you would have preferred coming into Hong Kong on the famous and sometimes hair-raising approach on runway 13 at our old airport at Kai Tak. I only hope the lack of 'excitement' on your flight path into our new airport at Chek Lap Kok was more than offset by the stimulating experience of our very magnificent new airport terminal on which we obviously very proud of.
I had the privilege of spending several days in Israel in early February this year. I was very touched by the kind and generous hospitality you and your colleagues showed me during my first visit to Israel. And I was delighted that you have been able to visit us so soon to enable me to return your kindness. Let me extend once again to you and Mrs Weizman our warm welcome.
I was deeply moved by what I saw in Israel. I was impressed by the magnificent achievements of Israel in the past 50 years. Indeed, with determination, dedication and vigour, a strong vibrant country has risen against sometimes insurmountable odds. More importantly, I would like to pay tribute in particular to you, Mr President, for your strong and visionary leadership in the building of this great nation of yours. Indeed, your long and dedicated service to the people of Israel dating back to the days when you fought courageously in the war that led to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. You then went through a most distinguished military and political career, gaining overwhelming respect not only in Israel but around the world. You are an accomplished warrior, strategist, statesman and a very well known peace maker. And you are truly the son of Israel.
In Hong Kong, Mr President, our second anniversary as a Special Administrative Region is only two months away. Since reunification, we have been charting our own future under the concept of 'one country, two systems', the foundation of which is being solidly laid. The Central Government has shown every determination to uphold the concept. The people of Hong Kong have also worked hard to ensure the full implementation of this concept.
While on the one hand we have to manage the change from being a colony to a special administrative region of China; we also have to manage the impact of the consequences of the financial turmoil which has embroiled Asia and indeed the whole world. In this respect, I am pleased that after 18 months of efforts, economic condition in Hong Kong has stabilised. Although our economy will be bumping along the bottom for some time yet, we believe a full recovery will come in the not too distant future.
The financial turmoil has taught us that we need to broaden the basis of our economy. In this respect, we in Hong Kong are trying to diversify into new areas of innovation and technology and to develop a knowledge-based economy as we enter the new millennium. Some say we have been a little slow in branching out into new directions. But I believe your achievements, the fact that technology-related products now account for some 65 per cent of all your export volumes, is the best example yet of what can be done within a relatively short time-frame given the will and determination to succeed and of course many other factors. And there is no shortage in Hong Kong of our will and determination to succeed.
That is why my visit to Israel was so rewarding. It not only reinforced my views on how we should be tackling some of the issues facing us but also provided me with new insights into the best ways to achieve this goal.
Mr President, despite the fact that there has been a Jewish presence in Hong Kong going back many many years, our trading ties with your country are relatively new. Total trade last year was worth some HK$7 billion (about US$900 million). Nevertheless, the 3,500 members of Jewish community make significant contribution to the well-being of our community. With China's accession to the WTO soon becoming a reality, a lot of trading and business opportunities will arise in the Mainland of China. I hope Israel will take advantage of these huge opportunities by further strengthening your trade and economic links with China. In this connection, do remember we in Hong Kong are best positioned to provide the link for you in this particular process. This will surely provide new momentum for the continued development of our economic ties.
Mr president, I know your visit is all too short, but tomorrow, a full programme has been planned to take you on a whirlwind trip of Hong Kong. I hope it will leave you with an impression that while we may be undergoing economic restructuring, Hong Kong is still a dynamic city that doesn't stand still. A city with a hard-working population of almost 7 million people whose resourcefulness will ensure our success in the years ahead, and lead to even greater and stronger ties with Israel.
Thank you.
END/Wednesday, April 28, 1999
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