*********************************************************
Following is the speech delivered by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the opening ceremony of the new office cum launch of Federation of Hong Kong Industries' 50th anniversary celebration in Cheung Sha Wan today (February 25):
Cliff (Sun), distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman, friends,
Good afternoon. Having recently celebrated Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day on the same date, it is appropriate that we have another double celebration day.
I'd like to convey my warmest congratulations to the Federation of Hong Kong Industries on your 50th Anniversary and on your successful move to new office. Having called the Federation my home for many years, I am very glad to be back here today among my family members and friends. Indeed it is rather interesting because my old office is only about one-minute walk from here. So home can mean more than one thing as it brings up memories of happy days - not having to get up at 6.30am in the morning other than to play golf, which I haven't played for years.
Apart from being more spacious to accommodate ever increasing members and activities, your new office is also a showcase of green building. Many innovative and cutting-edge designs are adopted to save energy and increase efficiency. This demonstrates again the Federation's foresight and leadership, as well as social commitment.
Over the past five decades, during periods of rapid growth and times of economic turmoil, the Federation and its members have provided great support to Hong Kong and the community that we call home.
Manufacturing industries have helped to spearhead economic development in the Mainland by bringing investment, technology and management expertise. The Federation has long served as an effective bridge between the industries and the Government, and between the industries and the Mainland authorities.
These days there are a new set of challenges in terms of new requirements for energy-intensive and resource-intensive industries, as well as the need for the manufacturing industries in Guangdong to move up the value chain. The Government has been liaising closely with both the trade and the Mainland authorities to assist enterprises in adjusting to these policy changes. The Federation has been playing a proactive role in the process. And I wish you every success in your continuing effort.
At the same time, the Government is keen to facilitate enterprises in opening up new trading opportunities in the Mainland as domestic consumption increases. The Government will remain in close contact with Mainland authorities to explore new opportunities across the boundary. And we appreciate the many insightful suggestions and proposals from the Federation on how to further open up of the Mainland market.
I encourage you to keep up the good work.
I would like to wish the Federation a very long and happy time in your new office and I wish you every success in the Year of the Tiger. And to conclude, I'd like to thank you for your support of the Budget yesterday.
Ends/Thursday, February 25, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:18
NNNN
