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CE delivers "Hong Kong Letter "

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Following is the translation of the "Hong Kong Letter" delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on RTHK-1 and 5 this morning (January 15):

Fellow citizens,

Hong Kong's economy is now at its best since the Asian financial crisis. This has been achieved by harnessing our unique advantages to set a clear positioning and direction for Hong Kong. In the past year business has picked up, the market is booming and the besieging problems since 1997 of deflation, negative equity, fiscal deficit and unemployment have been alleviated. Throughout these times of adversity people have displayed the spirit of Hong Kong - striving for improvement with perseverance and flexibility - and they have worked with the Government. Together we have emerged from the economic doldrums. I salute each and every citizen of Hong Kong.

Seven years since our return to the motherland, we have successfully implemented "One Country, Two Systems" and maintain a highly liberal and diverse society under the rule of law. Nevertheless, there are inadequacies in our governance. After much soul searching, we have taken stock of experience gained and lessons learnt. We have taken public criticisms of our governance to heart and responded positively to people's aspirations.

Last Wednesday I delivered the Policy Address and the theme was "Working Together for Economic Development and Social Harmony". I hope it can improve governance, foster social stability and harmony, further enhance economic development, enable more people to share the fruit of social advancement and uphold the vision of "people-based" governance. We will continue to listen closely to public opinion with an open mind.

Following our economic revival, the principal mission is to further consolidate our achievements and accelerate economic restructuring. In the next two and a half years, promoting development will continue to be the Government's focus. While reinforcing our traditional strengths, we will work with the community to create new areas of growth, sharpen Hong Kong's competitive edge and create more jobs for our people. We will continue to strengthen the four core industries, further CEPA, promote co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangdong and within the Pan-Pearl River Delta, develop cultural and creative industries, rejuvenate old districts, and encourage talented people from the Mainland and overseas to develop their careers in Hong Kong.

Our policy vision is to increase employment. I put forward various administrative and economic initiatives in my Policy Address, including municipal projects in various districts, promotion of urban renewal and redevelopment, greening initiatives, decking of nullahs and development of the environmental industry, etc. They all are aimed at improving our living environment as well as increasing employment.

The problem of poverty is another focus of public concern and is a major task in building a harmonious society. In the package of anti-poverty initiatives I have set out, two are of particular importance. First, to reduce inter-generational poverty by focusing on providing more assistance for the younger generation of needy families and give specific assistance to these children and young people at all ages. Second, to establish a commission to alleviate poverty, bringing the Government and all sectors of the community together to study the issue. Combatting poverty will require multi-pronged efforts. In addition to government policies, we have to enlist social resources and mobilise the community at large to produce results.

Hong Kong people have always attached great importance to social harmony. The ultimate goal of our "people-based" governance is to enhance social harmony. There is a saying that "A family that lives in harmony will prosper", so a stable environment is the prerequisite for social progress and economic prosperity. The Government will work on five particular areas. We will adhere to the principle of fairness in governance to properly balance the interests of different social strata and sectors. We will seriously address the problem of poverty to lessen antagonism between different strata. We will do our best to maintain the stability of the middle class and provide more opportunities for their participation in public affairs. We will work hard to enhance Hong Kong people's understanding of our country and strengthen their sense of national identity. On the basis of upholding "One Country, Two Systems" and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, we will promote inclusiveness and strive for consensus despite differences.

Hong Kong's progress requires the active support and concerted efforts of everyone in the community. Two verses of a Tang dynasty poem, "Calmed sea unveils the vast waterside; Fair wind drives our single sail high." best depicts our present situation. As the two verses said, having gone through all these difficulties, Hong Kong's future will be bright, and our development will be far and wide. While preparing my Policy Address, many touching stories of Hong Kong people overcoming adversity flashed across my mind -- wheel-chair gold medallists Yu Chui-yee and Fung Ying-ki; our senior citizen Ms Tsang, who raised six children working as a shoemaker and who now serves as a volunteer on retirement; our Sixth Former Cheung Sai-ho, who continues his studies despite cerebral palsy. With so many excellent citizens, the visionary "One Country, Two Systems", and an established clear positioning and direction, I am confident that we can successfully negotiate any possible rapids and shoals ahead.

The rooster's crow will soon usher in a Chinese New Year. I wish everyone a prosperous and happy new year ahead.

Ends/Saturday, January 15, 2005

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