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Following is the speech (translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the reception celebrating the 56th anniversary of the People's Republic of China at the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (October 1):
Honourable CPPCC Vice-Chairmen Henry Fok and Tung Chee Hwa, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Today marks the 56th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. I am excited to celebrate this great occasion with you, and with all Chinese people, for the first time as Chief Executive of the HKSAR.
After 56 years of striving for advancement, particularly since the implementation of the reforms and the open-door policy over two decades ago, today, a new China stands tall in the world. Its staggering transformation has attracted not only the attention, but also capital across the globe. China has become one of the largest recipients of external direct investment in the world. This year, our country¡¦s economy has continued to grow at a remarkable rate, and at a more steady pace. The economic development of China has become an irresistible force to neighbouring and international investors.
As the southern gateway to China, Hong Kong is geo-economically and politically best positioned to ride on this powerful current. After eight years of vigorous adjustment, Hong Kong's economy is increasingly integrated with the Mainland's, particularly with the Pearl River Delta (PRD), to form a sophisticated and competitive regional economic powerhouse.
Just a few days ago, I was on a historic visit to the PRD with all Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo). The visit signified a long-awaited breakthrough in our communication and co-operation with the Mainland. Not only should we maintain this momentum, we should also view such co-operation from a broader perspective. When we view it in a broader context, against the backdrop of the future development of the Pan-PRD and our country, we will find that the scope and potential for co-operation are far wider than we imagined, that the people of Hong Kong can make an even bigger contribution to our country and that we can generate even greater prosperity.
I understand that many LegCo Members in our delegation were quite moved by the experience, including some who visit the Mainland frequently. This is good, because it gives us a clearer picture of where Hong Kong stands and where we should head towards.
Since our return to the motherland eight years ago, Hong Kong has overcome many difficulties and has embarked on a wider and smoother path. The major projects we have been working on in recent years are coming on stream. They reinforce Hong Kong's status as a hub for finance, trade, logistics and tourism, and add to our synergy with the Mainland in its accelerating development. However, we should not be complacent. We should work harder and be more innovative.
Hong Kong citizens harbour a lot of hopes for such development, as do our neighbouring partners and the Central Government. The SAR Government will strive to improve governance as well as promote economic growth and social harmony. I hope that all members of the public will embrace this new development of Hong Kong with an open mind and with tolerance.
Now, please join me in a toast: To the progress and modernisation of China; to the greater prosperity and harmony of Hong Kong.
Ends/Saturday, October 1, 2005
Issued at HKT 10:52
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