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The following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the Opening Ceremony of the Autumn Fair, Japan Festival 1999 today(Saturday):

Dr Chow, Mr Makita, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to be here today to officiate at the Opening Ceremony of the Autumn Fair of the Japan Festival 1999 - which is one of the most colourful and exciting events in Hong Kong's "festival calendar".

The theme of this year's Festival underlines the partnership between Hong Kong and Japan. Japan is one of the largest sources of tourists for Hong Kong. Last year, we were delighted to welcome to Hong Kong some 950000 Japanese visitors. And of course, our tradings are particularly strong.

In our daily lifes too, we are never short of Japanese influence - from the cars that we drive, clothing, designer fashion, cosmetics, the latest electronic gadgets; to pop music, comic books, cartoon characters and even Japanese serial TV dramas. I doubt that there is any Hong Kong household that does not spot a Japanese hardware.

But our relationship goes much deeper than trade and business. Japan Festival is an important catalyst to strengthen the social, cultural and human ties between the two places. It provides invaluable opportunities for Hong Kong people to better understand Japan, Japanese history, heritage, arts and way of life. It also offers a sample of enjoyable and delightful events which greatly enrich the local cultural scene. I can still remember the weighty programme that you brought us in 1993 highlighting the sumo wrestlers, and the fascinating Kabuki performance three years ago. Today, we just had a preview of the rhythmic Taiko performance from Kagoshima. This will be followed by the performance of a unique all-women dance group from Hokkaido and later this afternoon Ryukyu dance from Okinawa.

The past two years have been a testing time for both Hong Kong and Japan. But I am glad that the worst seems to be over and that both our economies may well now be on the road of recovery. As you all know Autumn is traditionally the season for harvest and celebrating the achievement of hard work. And I hope that we once again experience the joy of a good harvest before long.

I would like to congratulate the Japan Society of Hong Kong, the Consulate General and the Japanese community here for your efforts in putting together this very impressive 3 month programme. As can be seen from today's huge turnout, it is clearly a resounding success.

So have fun and enjoy the Fair. Thank you.

Photo:The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Japan Festival 1999 Autumn Fair at the Tamar Site. Picture shows Mrs Chan and other officiating guests conducting the sake-barrel breaking ceremony.

End/Saturday, October 30, 1999

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