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An exhibition organised by the Office of HKSAR Government in Beijing (BJO), "A Decade of Achievements", at the Capital Museum drew to a close today (July 17) with overwhelming response, having attracted some 118,000 visitors since its opening on June 27.
A total of 12,295 people saw the exhibition today alone, the highest daily admission to the museum since its opening in 2005.
The visitors were in different age groups and came from all walks of life, ranging from children and students to the elderly and retired, from civil servants and soldiers to businessmen and educationalists. They invariably expressed affection for Hong Kong and praises for the exhibition.
"The visitors' response to the exhibition was more enthusiastic and positive than we had expected, and we are very happy to see how much they supported and wanted to know about Hong Kong," the Director of BJO, Mr Thomas Tso said.
Mr Tso noted the many good wishes written in the visitors' book in the exhibition hall.
"The majority of the visitors wished Hong Kong better days ahead and we are touched to see these remarks. Many others said they loved a prosperous and brilliant Hong Kong and hoped to see for themselves the charm of Asia¡¦s world city," he said.
Still other visitors said, "Hong Kong is a gem of China and, given the Motherland's support and care, this Pearl of the Orient will shine even more brightly and reach a new high.
"Hong Kong has made encouraging achievements since its return to the Motherland. Hong Kong is a pride not only of its people but of all Chinese.
"We can feel Hong Kong's prosperity by visiting this exhibition. We are thankful to the organiser for bringing Hong Kong to Beijing."
"It is also worthy to mention that many Hong Kong students, including those studying in Beijing, came to our aid as volunteers at the exhibition to handle visitors' enquiries and to maintain order," Mr Tso said.
"By working at the exhibition, they came to know Hong Kong better. They were pleasantly surprised at Mainland residents' affection for Hong Kong and were proud of being Hong Kong citizens. They thought the exhibition had succeeded in enhancing Mainland residents' understanding of and interest in Hong Kong, thus improving exchanges and communication between the two places," he added.
Mr Tso said the exhibition owed its success to many organisations in Hong Kong and to the Central and Beijing Municipal authorities on the Mainland.
Those in Hong Kong included the Planning Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hongkong Post, Immigration Department, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, Urban Renewal Authority, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Airport Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong Cycling Association, Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games, Olympic Equestrian Company and Hong Kong Trade Development Council. They have loaned a number of artifacts, models and exhibits to add to the exhibition.
On the Mainland, both the Central and Beijing Municipal authorities have lent full support in terms of venue co-ordination, traffic arrangements and publicity.
Apart from the exhibition at the Capital Museum, BJO will also organise a series of celebrating activities, including performances by Hong Kong modern dance and Cantonese opera companies from July to October.
In July, BJO will hold a tea party for Mainland participants in the Hong Kong Tourism Board's "Little Journalists" scheme to prepare them for their visit to Hong Kong.
From September to November, BJO will hold a roving exhibition in 15 cities of the northern provinces and autonomous regions within its purview to share with the residents the joy of the 10th anniversary of the HKSAR.
Ends/Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:26
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