************************
The following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Joint Professional Centre at The Center today (August 1):
Mr Leung, Dr Lau, Mr Fang, Mr Lau, ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to be invited to officiate at the joint professional centre foundation stone laying ceremony this afternoon. Let me first congratulate all those who have contributed in making this project a reality, especially CY and PC and the management of the 10 professional bodies. Well done CY, PC and everyone of you.
The achievements of Hong Kong over the past few decades have been outstanding by any standard. Our beautiful skyline, our stunning buildings, attractive landscape, the good health and active lives which our citizens enjoy, the rule of law and the excellent environment for doing business in Hong Kong are the hallmarks of our success. All these impressive achievements are the result of years of hard work and dedication of the Hong Kong people, but they would not have been possible without the support of a highly qualified team of professional disciplines which we are so fortunate to have in Hong Kong. It is no exaggeration to say that professional services as represented here are the dynamo of progress and creativity of our society. You should all be very proud of your contribution to Hong Kong.
I know that the business environment for professionals in Hong Kong has been hard hit by the economic downturn brought by the Asian financial turmoil; the bursting of our bubble economy and generally the restructuring of our economy as a whole. However, our economy is on a strong rebound. Furthermore, Government will continue to invest heavily in infrastructure projects which will not only improve our efficiency, stimulate our economy, but at the same time create opportunities for our professionals. I am sure in time, the private sector will also begin to invest. Although times are difficult at this moment, I hope the sustained economy rebound will in due course give professionals much greater opportunities again.
As you are aware, I have been seeing the professional bodies individually and collectively and been listening to your views. Some of the professional bodies have expressed to me that the Government does not hold the professionals in high enough regard consistent with the contribution they had made to Hong Kong and does not recognise the difficulties that you are facing today. Let me tell you this. I have heard you loud and clear. Furthermore, we will consider all practical proposals to provide more opportunities in Hong Kong to encourage our professional services to grow, to gain experience and to better equip yourselves. But action by Government alone is not enough, and I urge the professional bodies to organise more training for your fellow professionals to improve your market knowledge and widen your skills and expertise.
After the Mainland joins WTO, there will be a huge demand for professional services to support the growth of trade and services and to help the Mainland align its trade systems with international standards. The announcement last week by the Mainland authorities to lift restriction on foreign law firms to operate in the Mainland will open huge growth opportunities for the Hong Kong legal profession. We expect similar liberalisation in other professional services. My Government and I shall do whatever necessary to assist the professions to realise these new opportunities. While Hong Kong firms are far better placed to take advantage of these opportunities because of our close geographic, cultural and business ties with the Mainland, in order for our professionals to compete successfully, we must broaden our skills and expertise.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a vision to make Hong Kong not only one of the major cities of China, but also a world city of Asia. To achieve this, investment in education and environment is essential; upholding our way of life, the rule of law, continuous investment in infrastructural hardware are also crucial. In all these aspects, the contribution of professionals in Hong Kong in the future is vital for our development.
The establishment of the joint professional centre at the dawn of a new millennium is timely and auspicious. It marks the contribution of professional services to the growth of Hong Kong's economy. It is a symbol of the unity of the Hong Kong professionals and it is a demonstration of your confidence and readiness to spread your wings and take on the world. Unity is strength. Cooperation will take us to new height. I assure you full support of the Government and wish you great success in the years ahead.
Thank you very much.
Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, officiated at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Joint Professional Centre, a technology management and business centre founded by 10 local professional organisations under the endorsement of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Picture shows Mr Tung (2nd from right) unveiling the foundation stone.
End/Tuesday, August 1, 2000
NNNN