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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, at a reception hosted by the Chief Secretary for Administration and Mr Leung at the Grand Hyatt Hotel today (May 9):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon,

Thank you all for coming to this reception hosted by the Chief Secretary for Administration and I. We are indeed very honoured by the presence of senior officials from the Central People's Government and the provinces and cities. On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our Mainland guests and also to our business and community leaders.

In the past two decades or so, we have witnessed enormous economic development of our nation. I am pleased that Hong Kong has been able to contribute to this process through the investment of our businessmen and through the services of our financial, banking, telecommunication, transportation and other sectors. The imminent accession of the Mainland to the World Trade Organisation and the "Go West Campaign" will no doubt provide impetus for further growth. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" and with the extensive network of our businessmen, Hong Kong is well positioned to continue its important role as the leading financial centre and business hub of China, as the Mainland continues to open its market to other parts of the world.

The Fortune Global Forum now being held in Hong Kong has chosen a theme about where Asia would go in the next generation. I am sure the discussions in these few days, particularly those relating to Mainland China's development, would provide valuable food for thought for us all. The Chief Secretary and I are holding this reception to provide an opportunity outside the Forum for you all to get to know each other better in a more informal environment. I hope you will have many fruitful discussions. This is not an occasion for me to speak at length. I would just like to say thank you again to all of you for coming here today. Please enjoy yourselves.

End/Wednesday, May 9, 2001

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