The Chief Executive Mr Tung Chee Hwa says he will use his first official visit to the United States to explain Hong Kong's smooth transition and to enhance Hong Kong-US economic and trade relations.

During the five-day visit Mr Tung will meet President Bill Clinton, leading political figures interested in Hong Kong affairs, business leaders and prominent think-tanks.

The visit began yesterday with a frank and useful discussion with US Secretary of State Madeline Albright and Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott.

Also present during the meeting were Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering and US Consul-General in Hong Kong Richard Boucher.

The friendly exchange of views touched on issues of mutual interest including trade and economic relations, law enforcement and the evolution of the democratic process.

The Chief Executive shared his views on the future of Hong Kong and how he saw it developing an even more dynamic role in the Asia-Pacific region. He was also congratulated by the US government on the smooth transition.

Tonight, Mr Tung and his wife were guests of honour at a reception hosted by China's Ambassador to the United States Mr Li Daoyu.

Mr Tung told Washington diplomats, guests and the media that it was very much life as usual in Hong Kong in the two months and eight days since the transfer of sovereignty.

"I'm here in the US, a place I know very well ... to talk about the transition, about our plans for the future and why we are confident as we go forward in the months and years ahead," he said.

"I will also be here to enhance the very strong economic and trade relationship we already have between Hong Kong and the US."

Mr Tung said Hong Kong was well-placed to play a strategic role in the development of the Asian and Chinese economies.

"Hong Kong will have an extremely useful and effective role to play in this very dynamic region and I hope to be able to explain to our friends in America how Hong Kong can best serve American business interest in the months and years ahead."

Mr Tung's programme today includes a luncheon speech to the US Chamber of Commerce, a meeting with Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin and a meeting with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and its Sub-Committee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

The Chief Executive will also formally open the new premises of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington D.C.