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The following is the speech made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, during a lunch in honour of the President of the Republic of Congo, Mr Denis Sassou-Nguesso, at Government House today ( March 29):

Mr President, Madame Sassou-Nguesso, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the people of Hong Kong, I would like to welcome you, Mr President, and your delegation to Hong Kong. I know you have had a busy time in the Mainland visiting Beijing, Dalian, Herfei and Shanghai. I hope your time here, on the last leg of your journey in China, is equally interesting and fulfilling.

I also know that this is the first time that you and many of your colleagues have visited Hong Kong, although you have visited the Mainland on a few occasions. I am sure that even during your brief stay you will be able to sense the energy and optimism of Hong Kong, which we regard as the most cosmopolitan city in Asia.

Mr President, your visit to Hong Kong comes at an important time in our development. Led by strong export and import growth, activities of financial services, tourist arrival, consumer spending, and strong economic expansion on the Mainland, we are emerging strongly from our worst recession in living history. At the same time, we have been laying the foundations for the knowledge economy of the 21st century by making the most of advances in information technology and communications.

Mr President, on 1 July 1997 Hong Kong was proudly reunified with our Motherland. With strong support of the Central Government and the commitment of the people of Hong Kong, the unique concept of "One Country, Two Systems" is being successfully implemented. The entire community is moving forward into the 21st century with confidence.

Mr President, your country has been wonderful friend for the People's Republic of China, and for Chinese people everywhere. Your country also occupies a most important leadership position in Central and West Africa. I know the relationship with your country is something that all Chinese people will treasure.

Mr President, globalisation is changing the world. The oil, the natural gas, the agricultural products, cocoa, diamond and gold you produced are fueling industrial development and needs of people around the world. Global integration of trade in goods and services will continue at a great pace this century.

We believe that this ongoing process is a good thing. Your visit to Hong Kong provides us both with an opportunity to sit down and talk about areas in which our two economies may have a common interest. And that is surely the best way to begin. I hope the Republic of Congo and Hong Kong will work together in many aspects to improve our trade and economic ties.

Mr President, in closing, I would once again like to welcome you, your wife and your delegation to Hong Kong. I hope you take back to your country fond memories of your visit here.

Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, greeting the visiting President of the Republic of Congo, Mr Denis Sassou-Nguesso, on his arrival at Government House.

End/Wednesday, March 29, 2000

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