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Vice-President Hu Jintao departed this (Thursday) afternoon concluding his three-day visit to Hong Kong. He was seen off at the airport by the Chief Executive, Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs. Anson Chan, and other senior officials.

After bidding the Vice-President farewell, the Chief Executive said, "In the last few days, the Vice President has spoken to us in very encouraging terms. We are most grateful to him for making the visit.

"'One country, two systems' is an unprecedented historical endeavour. Different sectors of the community should play a constructive role and contribute to make this a reality.

"We all appreciate that in implementing one country, two systems, some problems will inevitably arise. But I firmly believe that if we act according to the Basic Law and the overall interests of Hong Kong, we can overcome the difficulties that we face.

"External economic circumstances are changing and we have gone through a period of adjustment. The worst for the Hong Kong economy is over. We should seize new opportunities in a progressive spirit to make Hong Kong more competitive for the long term.

"The Central authorities have consistently pursued and maintained one country, two systems, and also rendered unfailing support to the HKSAR. To prepare Hong Kong for the new millennium, the HKSAR Government is committed to maintaining Hong Kong's position as an international centre of finance, trade, air services, and shipping. We are also fully committed to defending and protecting the rule of law."

Vice-President Hu attended the flag raising ceremony and unveiled the Reunification Monument this morning to mark the second anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

He later went on a cruise and saw developments on both sides of the harbour. The cruise took him as far as the Tsing Ma Bridge.

In the afternoon, Vice-President Hu used the Airport Express to travel to the Hong Kong International Airport, where he had a tour of the passenger terminal building to see the plaque which was unveiled by President Jiang Zemin last July to mark the opening of the airport. He also spent some time at an exhibition on the airport's development and visited the shopping mall in the restricted area.

Photo: Photograph shows Vice-President Hu waving to greeters on top of the gangway upon his departure.

End/Thursday, July 1, 1999

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