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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, at the Cathay Pacific 'Asia's world city' aircraft Unveiling Ceremony at the Hong Kong International Airport Today (July 4):
David (Turnbull), Philip (Chen), distinguished guests and children,
It is an absolute delight to join you today for the unveiling of the Cathay Pacific 'Asia's world city' aircraft.
I have just now had a close up look at the new paintwork with David and the CX crew. As you can all see, it is quite stunning. The distinctive new livery - inside, as well as out - will definitely take the Brand Hong Kong programme to new heights and to key markets around the globe. From now on, people all over the world will instantly recognise that Cathay Pacific and the Brand Hong Kong dragon are part and parcel of Hong Kong, Asia's world city.
Cathay Pacific has a long history of supporting community projects and promoting Hong Kong as a tourism and business destination. Cathay's very generous undertaking to co-brand a CX jet is an excellent example of how the corporate sector can support the Brand Hong Kong programme. The new paintwork embodies the flair, innovation and imagination that Hong Kong is recognised for. And in this case, I think everyone would agree that is really is a jumbo example of what is possible.
And here I would like to stress that the Brand does not belong to the government - it belongs to everyone in Hong Kong. The free-flowing lines of our dragon embody the free spirit of Hong Kong people and the core values that underpin our success as a society and economy - progressiveness, freedom, stability, opportunity and high quality. Other companies in Hong Kong have also been helping us to raise the local profile of the Brand. And we encourage further participation and support from all sectors of the community - not just in the private sector, but in many other areas such as arts, tourism, sports, culture, education and voluntary organisations. It's our brand - let's use it.
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the people of Hong Kong, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Cathay Pacific for their tremendous support of the Brand Hong Kong programme, and all of those involved in making this ambitious project a reality. Long may this beautiful aircraft carry her passengers in safety and comfort.
Thank you very much.
End/Thursday, July 4, 2002
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