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Following is the speech (translation) made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (October 1) at the National Day cocktail reception held to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China:
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to join you all today for celebrations to mark the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I extend my warmest wishes to all of our guests, to all members of the community, to representatives of the Central Government and other Mainland organisations in the HKSAR, and to all those from abroad living and working in Hong Kong.
In the past year our country has continued its dramatic pace of development and made great achievements. Looking at the economic development of China vis-a-vis that of other countries, the world has seen China significantly improve the quality of life for its people, maintain political stability in the country and raise its standing in the global arena. Most impressive has been the enthusiasm of the Chinese people themselves : forging ahead with clear purpose and concerted action for our own sake, and the sake of our country's future; undaunted, dynamic and enterprising in face of challenges. These shared values, coupled with great determination, will provide the momentum for our country to sustain growth and development. Indeed, over the past years, China has ranked among the top countries attracting external investment, which speaks loudly of the confidence of overseas investors in the development of our country, in the leadership of our country and in the future of the Chinese people.
It is most encouraging, after decades of endeavour, to see our country make such great strides forward. A strong motherland provides strong backing to our community and our prosperity, and underpins the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems'. To ensure greater success in implementing the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, we should all endeavour to care more about our country - her prosperity, her unity and her security. And while we are masters of the HKSAR, as Chinese people, we are also masters of our country. We see that we have a need and a duty to enact legislation to implement Article 23 of our Basic Law. I am happy to see that the consultation paper on Article 23 has been well received by many sectors of the community.
Of course, we are always concerned about our own domestic affairs in the Hong Kong SAR. The Second Term Government has set its top priority to lead Hong Kong out of the economic downturn and to restore the confidence of Hong Kong people in the future. The fallout of the 'bubble economy', persistent deflation, structural deficits, economic restructuring and a rapidly changing external environment have had various impacts on our economy, and the livelihood of people in Hong Kong.
But we should never underestimate our strengths. Our confidence stems from our distinct geographic advantage as well as the institutional assets we have developed over the years, including the rule of law, a free and open economy, a level playing field, an uncorrupt and efficient government and our enterprising people. We have been consistently rated the world's freest economy, and we are an international financial, trading and logistics centre. We are the gateway between China and the rest of the world. All of these assets give us our competitive edge. With our hard work and enterprising spirit, we can surely restructure our economy and scale new heights for Hong Kong.
With our unique strengths and advantages we in Hong Kong have made significant contributions to the development of our motherland over the past 53 years, particularly since the opening up and reform policies were implemented. We have also created wealth for ourselves in the process. In the 21st Century, especially in these early years so full of promise and opportunity, our country will continue to move ahead rapidly. And we in Hong Kong must grasp the chance to unite ourselves and maintain our confidence to move ahead. As we scale new heights for Hong Kong, we must continue to contribute to the further prosperity of our Motherland.
Today, I am filled with pride and joy as we celebrate our National Day. Of all the countries in the world, few hold out such promise as China. Government leaders, politicians and scholars have all made various predictions about our country's development in this new century. And although the details may vary, one thing they all have in common is the emergence of China as a political and economic power on the world stage.
We, the people of Hong Kong, should be proud of playing a part in this remarkable transformation of our country. We, the people of Hong Kong, are proud of our country's achievements, as we are proud of what we have achieved ourselves.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to invite Vice-Chairman Henry Fok, Director Gao Siren, Commissioner Ji Peiding, Commander Xiong Ziren, CPPCC Member Wang Yufa, my HKSAR Government colleagues and all our distinguished guests to join me in a toast:
To the success of our motherland;
To the rise of the Chinese nation; and
To the economic recovery of Hong Kong.
Cheers!
End/Tuesday, October 1, 2002
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