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Following is the speech (English portion) by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, at the spring reception hosted by the Home Affairs Bureau at the Hong Kong Convention Centre today (February 6):

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are here to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Monkey which, many people believe, will be a year full of opportunities, not only economically, but also on other fronts. Over the past year, we encountered all sorts of challenges. Yet we have emerged even stronger, more determined and united, and also more capable and prepared to meet future challenges.

All these are only made possible by the commitment and dedication of those who call Hong Kong our home. I am also confident that we will have a better and brighter future ahead of us.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion)

Ends/Friday, February 6, 2004

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