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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, at the opening ceremony of the Dynasty of the Dragon at the University of Hong Kong today (September 27) (English only):

Dr Powell, Edmond, Felix, Distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to attend the opening ceremony of the Dynasty of the Dragon and to speak to our young, smart and talented friends here at the University of Hong Kong. I graduated from HKU way back in 1973 and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be back here.

I am sure the organiser of this event, the Business Association of HKUSU, needs no introduction. With some 1200 members, it is one of the largest societies of HKU, and is the only student organisation under the School of Business. It holds a variety of functions every year to help its members learn more about the business world. Many of you have probably attended and benefited from the activities organised by the Association.

The theme of the "Dynasty of the Dragon" project is "Think China, Think Business". The Association has made similar efforts to introduce the China market to its members in the past. This year, the Dynasty of the Dragon project aims to arouse students' interests in the latest market developments in China, and assist them in benefiting from business and career opportunities arising from such developments.

With China's accession to the WTO, and increasingly close economic co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland, particularly in the Pearl River Delta, it is important for our young people to keep themselves abreast of developments in the Mainland and to take advantage of the many opportunities there.

The various components of the Dynasty of the Dragon project, including an International Forum, Workshops, an Exposition and a tour to Beijing, will no doubt provide participants with very useful information and first-hand experience about the China market. I hope you would not miss this golden opportunity to learn more about the latest developments of our country.

I would like to congratulate the Executive Committee members of the Business Association on their hard work and enthusiasm in launching the Dynasty of the Dragon project. With their dedication and your support, I have every confidence that this meaningful event will be a great success.

Thank you.

End/ Friday, September 27, 2002

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