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Following is a speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 Welcome Reception today (December 3): (English only)
Chairman Wu, Secretary General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
We are deeply honoured to welcome all of you from around the world to the reception this evening. In the words of Confucius, "What a pleasure it is to welcome friends from afar.「有朋自遠方來，不亦樂乎。」"*
The Chinese people have a long tradition of hospitality. We want our guests to feel at home, and to sample the best we have to offer. That is why, for such an illustrious event as ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006, we are doing more than simply laying out the red carpet for you.
For you, our honourable guests, Hong Kong has in store an impressive array of events for your mind and senses, for business and pleasure.
Hong Kong is the premier gateway to the Mainland of China. I am sure you would not miss the opportunity to gain insight into the market trends in the Mainland and to network with your counterparts there. As part of the Business Facilitation Programme that Hong Kong offers to ITU TELECOM WORLD participants, we have organised a series of talks, seminars and receptions in the next few days to bring you up to date on the latest developments in information and communication technology in China.
If you can spare the time, I strongly recommend you join a tour to Shenzhen. Through visits to the manufacturing plants of big ICT enterprises as well as discussions with the management of these firms and government officials, you will learn first-hand about the latest trends in manufacturing and service delivery and the regulatory philosophy on the Mainland. If you are in a rush, I invite you to visit the Ministry of Information Industry pavilion and the Hong Kong, China pavilion in Halls 3 and 8 at AsiaWorld-Expo for a quick update.
We would be failing in our duties as a hospitable host if your visit to Hong Kong was just about business. Make sure that you join a cruise of our world-famous Victoria Harbour to savour the stunning skyline there. For those of you interested in discovering Chinese culture and heritage, we have organised a special programme on tai chi, Chinese tea preparation and Shaolin kung fu for you.
Ladies and gentlemen, as the host city for ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006, Hong Kong is at your service. I wish you a fruitful stay, and I look forward to welcoming you to Hong Kong again on many future occasions.
Thank you very much.
* 《論語•學而篇》
Ends/Sunday, December 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:23
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