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Following is the speech (translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Mission held at the Science Museum this morning (November 1):

Ladies and gentlemen,

October 15, 2003 marked the opening of a brilliant new chapter in the history of Chinese civilisation - a Chinese astronaut was launched into space. Today, the heroes behind this historic accomplishment are here with us in Hong Kong. Mr Yang Liwei and his colleagues have come to open this Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Mission. Let us express our warmest welcome and highest regards with a round of applause.

This Exhibition showcases the re-entry capsule of the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft, which lifted our courageous astronaut into space two weeks ago and other equipment from the space programme. The presence of Mr Yang and of these exhibits reminds us that the realisation of China's dream to conquer space is due not only to our country's high standard of technology, but also to the wisdom, efforts and selfless devotion of our first-class aerospace professionals and their determination to fly high. This same spirit is propelling our country towards greater prosperity and strength on the road to national revival. The achievements of the space programme are a tremendous encouragement to the people of Hong Kong to push on against all odds and to scale new heights.

May I wish this Exhibition every success. Thank you.

End/Saturday, November 1, 2003

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