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    Following is the speech (translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the reception in celebration of the eighth anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the Grand Foyer of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (July 1):

    Today marks the 8th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.  I am delighted to celebrate this memorable event with you all for the first time as Chief Executive of the HKSAR.

    July 1 signifies the return of Hong Kong to the motherland, a milestone in the mission of "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong".  Standing up here, my heart is filled with emotion, of solemnity and sacredness.  This emotion stems from the pride and honour I feel at being given the opportunity to make greater contributions to the nation and to Hong Kong.  This country and this city belong to all of us.  We love our country and we love Hong Kong because that is what we should do, and we do naturally from our heart.

    Eight years since the reunion, it is most noticeable to me that the feelings of Hong Kong people towards the country and the nation have undergone striking changes.  These changes do not come without reason.  On the contrary, it is the distillation of the invaluable experiences gathered over eight momentous years.  Never has the bond of flesh and blood, the interdependency between Hong Kong and the Mainland been so real to us.  Every day of life, every day of running business bears living testimony to it.

    Now, the community as a whole has developed the consensus that in order for our economy to sustain growth, Hong Kong must leverage the staunch support of the Mainland as well as our own global outlook, and fortify our status as an international hub of finance, trade, logistics, tourism and information.  We all share the belief that by harnessing this advantage, and only by doing so, can we truly open up the way forward for Hong Kong.

    I was sworn in as Chief Executive last week in Beijing.  The two-day visit was brief but the experience goes deep.  Most profound of all, I feel the high degree of trust and support from the Central People's Government (CPG).

    The CPG's support for Hong Kong is not empty talk.  Its action has spoken loud and clear throughout the last eight years.  Nor is the patriotism of the Hong Kong people mere lip service.  Over past decades, especially since China's adoption of the opening up and reform policy, Hong Kong people have made tremendous contributions to the nation.  Hong Kong is a definite asset to the country.  Eight years more experienced now, this asset will undoubtedly further prove its worth.

    At our meeting last week, President Hu Jintao expressed his approval for the people-based governing principle that I proposed, and encouraged me to upgrade our governance for the well-being of the people.  This is exactly what Hong Kong citizens ask for, and the path the SAR Government has embarked on steadfastly.  I pledge to all citizens that under our administration: decision making will be accountable and expedient - based on the interests of the people; and implementation of policies will be efficient - realised by meritocracy.  Through improved governance, we will ride the present momentum of recovery and go all out to develop our economy.

    My honoured guests and dear friends, the strong emotion I am feeling also stems from the fact that we are on the threshold of a brand new start.  With the experience of the past eight years, I have full confidence in the future of our country; I have full confidence in the implementation of the Basic Law and "One Country, Two Systems"; I have full confidence in the can-do spirit of Hong Kong.  I am sure that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is striding ahead towards a more fruitful and brilliant future.

    Now, please join me in a toast to: The rise and success of China; The stability and prosperity of Hong Kong; The health and well-being of you all!

Ends/Friday, July 1, 2005
Issued at HKT 09:39

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News clip (Flag-raising ceremony) (Real Media/Windows Media)

News clip (Reception) (Real Media/Windows Media)