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Following is the welcoming address (translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation and Development Forum held in Hong Kong today (June 1):

Party Secretary Zhang Dejiang,

Ministers, leaders of provinces/regions, Chief Executive of Macao,

Distinguished guests and friends,

The Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation and Development Forum opens here today, marking the formal launching of a regional co-operation project of the largest scale hitherto in China. We are pleased that this event has brought together leaders from the Central Authorities, the nine Mainland provinces and the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) to discuss and decide on the direction and strategy for regional development, and to explore ways and approaches for a mutually beneficial partnership. It will have a decisive bearing on the complementary advancement of the regional economy. On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, I extend my hearty congratulations on the full-scale launching of Pan-Pearl River Delta (Pan-PRD) regional co-operation, and a warm welcome to all participants of the Forum.

Regional economic co-operation is a global trend today. Various forms of regional collaboration are present in different parts of the world, which aim at enhancing economic competitiveness. The Pan-PRD concept conforms to this trend. Seizing the opportune time of the Asian economic integration, it responds to the demands of co-ordinated regional development in China by making this significant stride towards promoting the Hong Kong/Macao/Mainland economic partnership. Notably, this concept was initiated by the Guangdong leadership after thorough deliberation within the overall strategic framework of the country for strengthening regional economic collaboration and on the basis of the successful Hong Kong/Guangdong experience over the past two decades. It has received strong support from the Central leadership and authorities, as well as enthusiastic response from heads of the various provinces. The Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to advancing the cause under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", and will work with all of you to promote the regional economy.

The Pan-PRD region encompasses nine Southern provinces and the two SARs of Hong Kong and Macao, an area spanning eastern, central and western China, with its population and gross domestic product accounting for one-third of the national total. There is strong complementarity between these economies and the international contacts go far and deep. Economic co-operation in such a region will not only enhance its overall competitiveness in an effective manner, which is conducive to the rapid and co-ordinated growth of the regional economy, but also facilitate China's reforms, opening up and economic development. At the same time, it will provide relevant experience for the economic synergy of other regions in the country.

The Pan-PRD regional co-operation has excellent prospects from the outset and is looked upon with eager anticipation. The priorities ahead will be to turn this innovative concept into concrete reality so that it can become the platform and driver of economic collaboration and development. I believe that with our concerted efforts, the Pan-PRD co-operation will yield positive results.

After today's opening, the Forum will move on to Macao tomorrow and Guangzhou on Thursday, and new forms of close co-operation will unfold. I wish the Forum every success.

Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, June 1, 2004

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