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More than 300 political, business and Chinese community leaders today (June 20, London time) marked the start of celebrations for the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at a reception organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
Dignitaries included Chinese Ambassador Madam Fu Ying; Lord Howe of Aberavon; Chairman of the Hong Kong Association Baroness Dunn; Lord Brittan, and a number of mayors from the London area. Special guest, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Mr Joseph W P Wong, spoke on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Mr Wong said that 'One Country, Two Systems' had passed the most vigorous test. "Hong Kong has once again defied doomsayers to become a better place than it was 10 years ago. We still face many challenges, economic, political, social and not enough sunshine. But I am confident we shall overcome all of these in the usual can-do spirit," Mr Wong said.
The highlight of the evening was a performance by two young Hong Kong musical artists, soprano Catherine Chan and baritone Alan Tsang. As well as singing Western and Chinese classical pieces they also performed the 10th anniversary theme song 'Just Because You Are Here'.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London is planning a series of events over the coming months, including a London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on July 1 at Royal Albert Docks, photo and film exhibitions and musical performances by Hong Kong pianist Colleen Lee. A complete list of 10th Anniversary events supported by or organised the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office London is attached.
Ends/Thursday, June 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 13:50
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