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Following is the full text of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, at the Joint Professions' dinner to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China at the Regent Hotel this (Friday) evening:

I would just say a few words in English. We are here to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It is indeed a very important occasion. China, since the last fifty years and particularly since the last twenty years, has really done what many thought was impossible to visualize. It's something all of us are very proud of. I have, on many occasions, represented Hong Kong in many important conferences around the world including the latest one in New Zealand, where I see our own country's position rising internationally further and further up, and China taking its rightful place in the international community. And this gives people like myself and, I am sure, many here a sense of pride which is difficult to describe.

Over the last many years, the professional establishments in Hong Kong have worked very hard with our counterparts in China, helped China to establish systems to design rules and regulations. This not only helps China in her movement forward but also enhances opportunities for the professionals in Hong Kong. China is going to continue to develop rapidly. The World Bank, in its book 2020, has indicated China by, 2020, will be one of the largest economies in the day. Today she is already ranked number 6 after United States, Japan, Germany, France and Britain. The opportunities are many and I would hope that all of you would really seize these opportunities, on one hand contributing to China's further developments and on the other hand helping to create wealth in Hong Kong. And of course there are tremendous opportunities for every one of you. Thank you very much indeed.

Photo: Picture shows Mr Tung and other officiating guests posing for a group photograph at the dinner.

End/Friday, September 17, 1999

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