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Following is the transcript of a media session by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the Central Government Offices at noon today (June 25):
Getting Down to Business
I returned from Beijing last night after taking the oath of allegiance. This morning I met with the principal officials and non-official members of the Executive Council and I have formally invited all of them to stay on.
Today is my first working day after being appointed Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With two years to deliver on the promises of my election campaign, I will move at full steam to make this happen.
My Action Plan
My action plan for the next two years will focus on better governance, greater social harmony, and stronger economic performance.
First, I will submit my nomination for the post of Chief Secretary for Administration to the Central People's Government and I did that earlier today.
Second, I will start working on restructuring the Executive Council, identifying suitable candidates to join the top body.
Third, I will put in motion my plan to tap into the talent pools of various sectors so as to capture the insight and wisdom of the community as a whole for the betterment of Hong Kong. I will look to a much wider range of business, political, and community leaders for appointments to the restructured Commission on Strategic Development and government advisory bodies.
Fourth, I will meet with legislators from different political groups and independents as soon as possible to listen to their views and suggestions about my future policy blueprint. I also plan to attend my first Legislative Council question time session the day after tomorrow.
Fifth, I will consolidate and review all the suggestions that were presented to me during the election so that I can respond fully to the people who were kind enough to share their views with me during my election campaign. I will incorporate those views to the best of my ability in my first Policy Address to be delivered in October.
These are the immediate issues as I begin to implement my programme. They will be crucial to the success of my Administration.
The Challenge
I fully appreciate that the next two years will not be short of challenges. The tasks we face are multi-faceted. Within our community, we must act quickly and with firm resolve to restore Hong Kong people's spirit and confidence. And we must rebuild the trust between the Government and the people of Hong Kong.
At the national level, we must make sure that Hong Kong remains an asset of China.
And on the international stage Hong Kong has a duty to hold high the flag of economic freedom, of open markets, of a level playing field. As New York is to North America and London is to Europe, we must firmly anchor Hong Kong's position as the premier business and financial hub of the Asia Pacific Region.
These are no easy tasks, but we will not shirk them. My strength, inspiration, and faith in our ability to rise to challenges came from the "Can Do" spirit of the people of Hong Kong.
My Pledge
Fellow citizens: I sought the post of Chief Executive of the SAR for one single purpose, a purpose that has motivated millions of our people over many generations. I sought the post to build a better future for our home.
The next two years represent a partnership project between myself and all the people of Hong Kong. Divided, there is little we can do. But united, there is little we cannot do.
Shakespeare once said, "There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune."
I believe that there is such a tide now, running strongly in Hong Kong's favour.
I believe that the people of Hong Kong are ready to march on to greatness.
To achieve for our own community a decent life for all.
To achieve for our own country further progress in the long march towards prosperity and stability.
For this is our destiny.
Ends/Saturday, June 25, 2005
Issued at HKT 13:42
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