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Following is a speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, at the opening ceremony of the 25th Anniversary Classic Car Show in Central this (October 17) morning:

David, Clement, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you here today to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Classic Car Club of Hong Kong. And I cannot think of a better way to celebrate than through this magnificent classic car show.

While we can all admire today's super sleek and super fast cars as marvels of design and engineering, I believe most people have a great fascination in seeing the designs, the detail, the craftsmanship, and, in some instances, the raw power of the cars of yesteryear. A classic car will 'turn heads' whenever it is on the road.

So, this is a special occasion not just for members of the Club, but for the public at large, including myself, who may be infatuated with cars and who will take every opportunity to inspect and discuss the finer points of a vehicle whether they are a classic Porsche or Peugeot, an MG or Mercedes. Today is your chance with well over 100 classic cars and motorcycles on display, some very unique and rare in worldwide terms.

The Classic Car Club has done a great job in promoting interest in older cars and motorcycles in Hong Kong. Since its establishment in 1979, the Club has grown into an organization of over 400 members. More importantly, not only does the Club serve the interests of its members, it now supports a wide range of charitable and community events. Today is no exception, as the Club will make a donation to Harmony House later in the ceremony. I would like to thank members of the Club for playing their part in helping to make Hong Kong a caring society.

As Asia's world city, Hong Kong caters to a huge range of interests. The success of the Classic Car Club has demonstrated to the world once again the diversity and vibrancy of our city. The Club has made a significant impact in its first 25 years, and I am sure it will have even greater success in the years to come.

I am also sure many of you cannot wait to look at the cars. So I will just conclude my speech here by wishing everyone a most enjoyable time and lasting memories of the beauty of the classic cars.

Thank you.

Ends/Sunday, October 17, 2004

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