Hong Kong has striven to make the best of its unique advantages and its significant achievements had won international acclaim, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (June 27).

     Speaking at the opening ceremony of "A Decade of Achievements" - an exhibition to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong had been well guarded by the Basic Law in the past 10 years, retaining its international features, rule of law and freedom.  

     "Hong Kong has made the best use of its advantages such as the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle and having the Mainland as our hinterland, coupled with our own international outlook," he said.
 
     "In the past 10 years, Hong Kong people have worked very hard while the nation has grown very fast. This has helped consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre and has brought about opportunities for further development.

     "Hong Kong will continue to actively complement the Mainland's policy 'to go global' and will encourage Mainland enterprises to raise funds, set up branches, and make use of professional services in Hong Kong."

     "Since our reunification with the Motherland 10 years ago, we have trodden an extraordinary path and have stood up to many challenges," Mr Tsang said. "With the staunch support and care of the Central Government and the people of the country, and given their pragmatism and perseverance, Hong Kong people have overcome the Asian financial turmoil and SARS with flying colours."

     "Hong Kong people have only grown from strength to strength after each hurdle, giving more importance to social harmony and economic development."

     Mr Tsang said that the links between Hong Kong and the Mainland have become increasingly close.

     "Every day, our contact, exchange and co-operation with the Mainland are growing. We are concerned about the nation’s development and we take pride in her various achievements and in being part of it," he said.

     "The HKSAR's achievements in the past 10 years are best proof of the Central Government's successful implementation of the great concept of 'One Country, Two Systems'," Mr Tsang continued.

     "I am confident that, with the care of the nation and the people, Hong Kong will continue to preserve its harmony, stability and prosperity in the years to come," he said.
 
     Mr Tsang thanked Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and Vice-President, Mr Zeng Qinghong; Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Beijing Municipal CPC Committee, Mr Liu Qi; State Councillor, Mr Tang Jiaxuan; Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Liao Hui; and Vice-Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Head of the United Front Work Department of the Central Committee, Madam Liu Yandong, for officiating at the ceremony.  

     Other guests attending the ceremony included leading officials from the Central Government, Beijing Municipal Government, Beijing Offices of various provinces and autonomous regions, and embassies in China.

     Mr Tsang also expressed appreciation for the hard work of the staff of the HKSAR Government Office in Beijing in organising the exhibition.

     The exhibition will be held at the Capital Museum from tomorrow (June 28) to July 17 and admission will be free. It comprises eight sections: Road to Reunification and "One Country, Two Systems", economic development, co-operation with the Mainland for mutual benefit, Asia's world city, green Hong Kong, culture and sports, developing for the future and a Hong Kong stamps display.

     The exhibition makes extensive use of vivid language and colourful pictures, models, artifacts, multi-media and interactive equipment to introduce Hong Kong. Videos will also be shown while visitors will be able to have their photographs taken with backdrops of attractive Hong Kong scenes.

Ends/Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:38

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