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The following is the speech (English only) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa,at the Inauguration of "India into the New Millennium" today (Wednesday):

His Excellency Mr Maran, Commissioner Ma, Mr Chandra, Mrs Sikri, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me a great deal of pleasure to be here today to join you at the inauguration of "India into the New Millennium". The event is being organised in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the People's Republic of China. The activities and the exhibitions which will form part of the celebration will help to increase Hong Kong people's understanding of the latest developments in India and foster our trade, social and cultural ties.

Indeed, Hong Kong's relationship with Indian people goes back many, many years, a lot longer than 50 years. The Indians were among the first expatriate groups who came and worked in Hong Kong and many of them eventually settled in Hong Kong, creating a very vibrant community and making significant contributions to what it is Hong Kong today. We are most grateful to our Indian friends and let me say and I say this again and again on behalf of the Hong Kong community, we treasure our friendship and we look forward to your continued support for Hong Kong.

India and China are two most populous countries in the world. India and China are also being seen as the two nations which have the most potential for rapid economic growth in the new millennium. There is a lot of opportunities for co-operation and for sharing of experiences. Hong Kong, long served as a gateway to the Mainland of China, will be able to perform the role in promoting trade and investment between India and China and we look forward to contributing towards the continued prosperity and success of these two great nations.

Finally, may I extend my warmest congratulations to the Indian Government, to the organisers, and to the Indian Consulate General for organising this event and I wish you every success.

Thank you very much.

Photo: Picture shows Mr Tung delivering a speech at the opening ceremony.

End/Wednesday, February 23, 2000

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