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The 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was celebrated in Sydney today (July 10, Sydney time) at a reception for more than 500 guests, including senior federal and state politicians, business, government and community leaders, and academics.
Among the guests were Australia¡¦s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer; the Australian Federal Attorney General, Mr Philip Ruddock; the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Mr Zhang Junsai; former Australia¡¦s Prime Minister, Mr Gough Whitlam; the New South Wales Minister for Fair Trading, Ms Linda Burney, representing the Premier; the New South Wales Opposition Leader, Mr Barry O'Farrell; and the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Mr Glenn Stevens.
Addressing the guests, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Sydney, Mrs Jenny Wallis, said the anniversary was a significant milestone in the continuing Hong Kong story.
She recalled the moving ceremonies that were held in Hong Kong on the night of June 30, 1997 marking the end of British administration and the start of a new era of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of China in the early hours of July 1. She especially thanked the Foreign Minister, Mr Downer, who represented Australia at the handover ceremonies, for his long and continued support and acknowledgement that "One Country, Two Systems" was working well in Hong Kong.
Mrs Wallis noted that while there had been difficulties and challenges during the past decade, none came as a result of the change of sovereignty.
"On the contrary, ever closer ties with Mainland China have opened up enormous opportunities for Hong Kong that have propelled our economy to new highs," Mrs Wallis said.
"Over the past decade, Hong Kong's external trade has almost doubled to HK$5 trillion and our GDP per capita has increased to US$28,000, despite the setbacks brought on by the Asian financial crisis, a property slump, avian flu and SARS. And we ended 2006 on another strong note with GDP growth of 6.9%."
Mrs Wallis said unemployment was at a 9-year low and the equity market was breaking records due to the intense international interest in China-related companies listing on Hong Kong's main board.
"This activity has catapulted Hong Kong into the same league as London and New York for IPO business," she said.
At the same time, Hong Kong has retained its freedoms and way of life under the "One Country, Two Systems" formula, which has withstood the pressures of the past decade.
"The rule of law, underpinned by an independent judiciary; a level playing field for all; a free and unfettered media; and a clean, accountable administration - are as rock solid today as they were a decade ago," Mrs Wallis said.
"As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we are continuing to make our mark as Asia's world city, where opportunities abound and quality is premium. The first 10 years have given us the strength and stability to face the next 10 years and beyond with even more credibility and the determination to continue making Hong Kong the success story it has been."
During the reception, the prestigious Australian Youth Choir and a young group named "Harmonik", made up of four Hong Kong students studying in Australia, entertained the guests with Australian and Chinese songs. The two groups also combined for a rendition of the classic Cantonese pop song - "Under the Lion Rock".
An exhibition depicting some of the changes in Hong Kong during the past decade was on display at the venue. A larger scale version of the exhibition will be open to the public at Hong Kong House in Sydney from July 18 to 24.
Ends/Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:54
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