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Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the toasting ceremony of the Hong Kong Arts Festival finale tonight (March 8):
Charles, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to join you for the finale performance of this year's Hong Kong Arts Festival. The performance tonight concludes the Festival with a high note. I congratulate everyone involved on making this year's Festival a resounding success.
Curating programmes for an arts festival that runs for four weeks is a daunting challenge. The Hong Kong Arts Festival has risen to that challenge for 37 years in a row. Not only that, but the performances have become more engaging by the year. During the current economic turmoil, the Festival has certainly entertained us and lifted our spirits, reminding us of the beauty of art and the finesse of life.
On a more practical note, the Festival enhances Hong Kong's vibrancy and soft power as a cultural hub in Asia.
I thank all the sponsors and patrons of the Festival. I also thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous support over the years, and the Bank of East Asia for sponsoring tonight's concert. At economically challenging times like this, your staunch support is no doubt most valuable.
Allow me to take this opportunity to ask you all for your continued support of the Festival. That way we can look forward to outstanding performances for many years to come including - in the not too distant future - at the new venues of the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Please join in for a toast: To the Hong Kong Arts Festival!
Ends/Sunday, March 8, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:38
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