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The 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was celebrated in style in Berlin tonight (June 18, Berlin time) with a glittering reception for more than 200 VIPs and a variety show by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with Chinese opera, modern dance and music.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels secured a magnificent venue to host the event. Berlin's historic Konzerthaus is a masterpiece of classicism in German architecture and the home of the Berlin symphonic orchestra. It was where Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 had its Berlin premiere.
This was the first of three major functions organised by the Brussels ETO in Europe to mark the HKSAR's 10th anniversary. Similar events are to take place at the Brussels opera house Thˆmatre de la Monnaie and the Musˆme d'Orsay in Paris.
In his welcoming address, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities, Mr Duncan Pescod, told German government officials, businessmen and other guests that July 1, 1997 was a date that represented the coming of age of the people of Hong Kong.
"On that date, the visionary concept of 'One Country, Two Systems' became reality and Hong Kong people took on responsibility for their own fate. As an integral part of the People's Republic of China but with a 'High Degree of Autonomy' guaranteed for the first time by our mini constitutional document, the Basic Law, Hong Kong stood at the threshold of a new and exciting stage in our history."
Mr Pescod said that in the lead up to reunification, there had been many who questioned what would happen. A magazine headline even predicted the "Death of Hong Kong". Although Hong Kong was doing quite well in 1997, nearing completion of its wonderful new airport and being rated the world's freest economy for the third year running by the Heritage Foundation, many private individuals had emigrated and there was economic uncertainty in the region.
"Ahead of us lay the property market bust, SARS, an extended period of deflation and pay cuts in both the public and private sectors; and of course the inevitable challenges that emerged as we confronted the reality of 'One Country, Two Systems.'
"What is remarkable to my mind is that not only did Hong Kong face up to these problems but that we did so in a very mature and calm manner: truly a testament to the courage of our people."
Fast forwarding to 2007, Mr Pescod said that the Heritage Foundation had once again rated Hong Kong the world's freest economy, for the 13th year in a row. Hong Kong's economy has grown dramatically since 1997. "Our total external trade is now HK$5 trillion, GDP per capita has risen to HK$215,000. There has been a 100% growth of trade with Mainland China. The number of Mainland firms listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange has grown 360% from 101 in 1997 to 367 today, and 40% of total foreign direct investment in China now comes from or through Hong Kong.
"This is a remarkable achievement by any standard. We have built on our unique location and through tremendous support from China, we have signed the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, we have become the foreign financial centre for China, and one of the main tourist destinations for mainland travelers," Mr Pescod said.
Mr Pescod underlined that Hong Kong was more than simply a business and financial centre. It is a modern, cosmopolitan, safe city with an efficient transport system, guaranteed freedoms and a low incidence of corruption. Moreover, great emphasis is placed on enriching our physical surroundings and the cultural and artistic landscape.
"There are some 1000 performing arts groups in Hong Kong. Our homegrown talent, nurtured through the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, has achieved noticeable success on the international stage in the fields of film, dance and music."
Mr Pescod said he was proud to say that Hong Kong was in a good place right now.
"I have no doubt that there will be challenges ahead. Equally, I am absolutely confident that Hong Kong will be able to overcome these challenges and will continue to thrive as Asia's World City."
Ends/Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Issued at HKT 08:53
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