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The following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Opening Ceremony of the Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Exhibition at the Hong Kong Science Museum:
Commissioner Ma, Commander Xiong, Deputy Director Liu, Mr Wang Liheng, ladies and gentlemen,
I am greatly honoured to be invited to officiate at the Opening Ceremony of the Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Exhibition.
Around the 21st and 22nd of last November, I was exalted to learn of the successful launching and retrieving of the Spacecraft "Shenzhou", which was designed and manufactured by our own country for manned missions. I believe that the people of Hong Kong are as keen as I to have a look at this spacecraft to witness the achievement our country has made in technological development and share the pride and honour that come with it.
The HKSAR Government, therefore, works together with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation in organising the Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Exhibition in Hong Kong with the support of relevant bodies and organisations. Among the many remarkable exhibits put on display are the "Long March 2F" Launch Vehicle, the Spacecraft "Shenzhou" destined for manned missions and the HKSAR flag that it carried on board while orbitting the Earth. In the Exhibition, the people of Hong Kong will also see the application of satellite and other aerospace technologies and will be much impressed by the milestone achievements China has made in the development of aerospace technology.
As we are entering into a new century, we are delighted to see that our country is moving ahead steadily on the right track towards prosperity and affluence. The concept of invigorating our country by education and technology has further been consolidated. We will certainly see greater progress in the technological advances of our country and improvement in the living standards of the Chinese people. The growing strength of our country will no doubt give a great impetus to the future development of Hong Kong.
As I have mentioned before on various occasions, we are moving towards a knowledge-based economy in the 21st Century. We witness the growing importance of innovation and technology. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has put in long-running efforts to improve the quality of local education, create friendly environment for scientific researches and investment in a bid to encourage and facilitate technological development in Hong Kong as a new drive to our economy. In the Exhibition, our people will be able to feel for themselves the tremendous achievements that come with technological advances. It helps to boost our young people's interest in science and encourage them to join in technological researches and development for the future of Hong Kong, the modernisation of our country as well as the well-being of mankind.
Lastly, I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the co-organisers and the sponsors in the HKSAR for their joint efforts in organising this excellent Exhibition. I would also like to wish the Exhibition every success, and our country further achievements in technological researches and particularly in the aerospace technological development.
Thank you.
Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, officiated at the opening ceremony of the "Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Exhibition" at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's Hong Kong Science Museum today (August 21). Other officiating guests included the Commissioner for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, Mr Ma Yuzhen; Lieutenant-General Xiong Ziren of the PRC's Liberation Army in Hong Kong; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong , Mr Liu Shanzai, and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lam Woon-Kwong. Picture shows Mr Tung performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony with guests.
End/Monday, August 21, 2000
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