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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the National Day Celebration Show today (Friday):
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour for the HKSAR Government to host this celebration today together with the community to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Half a century ago, the People's Republic of China was established. The Chinese people proclaimed to the world that from that day our nation would mold our future with hope and vision.
In the last 50 years, particularly during the last 20 years of opening-up and reforms, our country has undergone enormous changes. In major cities in the Mainland such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, etc., momentous developments have been gathering pace. In areas such as agriculture, finance, commerce, infrastructural developments, education and scientific research, unprecedented progress has been made. The international stature of our country has been enhanced with rapid progress in economics, technology and national defence being achieved. After 50 years of sustained efforts, our country is moving towards a future of steady development, prosperity and peace.
That is why I often say that Hong Kong has been very fortunate to return to the Motherland when she is growing stronger and gaining in stature. Since the establishment of the HKSAR over two years ago, with the collective effort of Hong Kong people and the total support of the Central People's Government, we have implemented fully the policies 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy. Under the 'Basic Law', the social, economic and legal systems of Hong Kong have been maintained; our lifestyle has been preserved; Hong Kong people continue to enjoy the freedoms of speech, of the press and of assembly. These rights are fully protected.
But we will not be complacent with these achievements. We still have to apply ourselves fully to create more wealth and to turn this into a better quality of life and environment for our community. In the last two years, Hong Kong people have suffered economically due to the Asian financial crisis. But we have faced and overcome these challenges in a positive spirit; we have maintained Hong Kong's vitality, restored our confidence and resolve. We have gone past the most difficult period for the Hong Kong economy, and I believe that better times lie ahead.
This afternoon, while I was returning to Hong Kong, I surveyed the vista of our vast country. It was a moving sight. I know that across this vast land 56 ethnic groups, 1.2 billion people are living in peace, mastering the opportunity of a century to create a civilised and abundant society, and realising the ideals of a great nation. As a member of the Chinese people, no matter where we are, we should strive to contribute selflessly to the growth of the nation.
On this most auspicious day, when the whole country is celebrating the 50th Anniversary, it is my honour to extend, on behalf of the HKSAR Government and the people of Hong Kong, our very best wishes to the Motherland: may our country continue to be great and prosperous. Thank you.
End/Friday, October 1, 1999
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Photo : The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, attended the National Day Celebration Show at the Hong Kong Stadium. Picture shows Mr and Mrs Tung waving to the audience during the occasion.
