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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at the Spring Reception at Government House this afternoon (February 11):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to Government House. Thank you for joining us to celebrate the Lunar New Year. First of all, I wish everyone a healthy and successful Year of the Horse.
The SAR Government will continue to - shall we say - gallop ahead in promoting economic development and improving people's livelihood. We will strive to meet the needs and expectations of the community and we will seize the many development opportunities for Hong Kong, including the constitutional reform, that lie ahead.
Our city is consistently ranked as the world's freest economy, one of the most competitive places to do business and a leading international financial centre alongside New York and London.
More people than ever before have jobs in Hong Kong and the current unemployment rate of 3.2 per cent represents a state of full employment.
Nevertheless, economic prosperity and full employment should not be taken for granted. The Policy Address last month supports the development of 11 economic sectors and identifies ways to make the best use of two new platforms: the Pearl River Delta and Lantau Island. We will also strengthen connectivity with our partners in the Mainland of China and around the world. And we will take full advantage of Hong Kong's unique opportunities as a Special Administrative Region of China under the "One Country, Two Systems" formula.
In the Year of the Horse, we must all pull together in the same direction to achieve our common goals for Hong Kong and ensure a bright and prosperous future for our community.
Thank you and kung hei fat choy!
Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:46
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