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Following is the speech (English translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, delivered at the National Day reception in celebration of the 61st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (October 1):
Distinguished guests and friends,
I am most delighted to celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China here with all of you.
In this first decade of the 21st century, we have witnessed the country's rapid economic development, rising national power and huge improvement in people's standard of living. These remarkable achievements have made China the focus of world attention.
As the Chief Executive of HKSAR, I have visited the Mainland on numerous occasions over these years. My colleagues and I have set foot in many places, spanning from the Northeastern region to Hainan, from the prosperous coastal provinces to the booming Central and Western regions. We see immense progress everywhere. Each and every visit to these places gives me new sensations and new insights.
Our country's rise to prosperity and power is not without difficulties. Over the past year, for example, the floods in various provinces, the massive mudslide in Gansu and the devastating earthquake in Qinghai caused heavy casualties, extensive destruction and severe financial losses. These are a testimony that on this vast piece of land, there are still many difficulties and challenges ahead that call for our united efforts to overcome.
The Shanghai Expo this year has once again made our country the world spotlight. I know many people have visited this largest world expo ever during summer holidays and long holidays. For those who haven't, I hope they will do so in this last month of the Expo to feel its charm and excitement. Hong Kong will continue to fully engage in the event and present visitors with wonderful programmes. I am sure the "Hong Kong Week" from 18 to 22 October will be the climax of months of our participation in the Expo.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have seen the country's growing economic influence in the region and the world. This is a significant change in the global economic landscape in the post-financial crisis era. This phenomenon will continue to intensify with the country's increasing domestic demand, external trade and overseas investment. In this process, Hong Kong will leverage our strengths as an international financial hub to promote the regionalisation and internationalisation of Renminbi, to enhance our competitiveness and to accumulate experience for the financial opening-up and further economic development of the country.
Looking ahead, our country is set to accelerate the transformation of its economic development model and optimise its economic structure. With a mature and top-notch services sector, and unique advantages under "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong has much to contribute to the country's "12th Five-Year Plan". The drafting work of the Plan has now come to a critical stage. We will do all we can to contribute to the drafting of the Plan and give full play to our strengths to serve the needs of the country.
Distinguished guests and friends, we see a very promising future in our country. I hope all sectors of the community can seize the opportunities to contribute more to the development of our country and Hong Kong. Now, please join me in a toast: To a brighter future for our country and for Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, October 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 09:52
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