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Following is the welcoming remarks by the Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, at a reception hosted on behalf of the SAR Government at the Government House today (June 13) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ta Kung Pao and to welcome the participants to the World Newspapers Forum:

Today, I am glad to be here today to host a reception on behalf of the SAR Government to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ta Kung Pao.

Since its founding in Tianjin in 1902, Ta Kung Pao has been a testimony of modern Chinese history. Over the past hundred years, it has nurtured a group of journalists specialised in the reporting of China news.

I congratulate Ta Kung Pao on its commitment to enhancing its professional standards. On top of winning numerous awards, it takes the pioneer in setting up an electronic newspaper and "takungpao.com".

The World Newspapers Forum held by Ta Kung Pao today provides an opportunity for the international press media to look into the new developments of the press industry in the 21st century. I wish the Forum a success. Since the Handover, Hong Kong has successfully implemented the concept of "One country, two systems", and maintained its role as a financial, business, logistics centre. All this hinges on the free flow of information and the flourishing media here. The Basic Law also safeguards the freedom of the press. Through the Forum, we hope that media representatives from the Mainland and overseas could share our experience and witness our success in this area.

On behalf of the SAR Government, may I propose a toast to Ta Kung Pao.

End/Thursday, June 13, 2002

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