Hong Kong SAR celebrates its 25th anniversary in Geneva (with photo)
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The Permanent Representative of the HKSAR of China to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Mr Laurie Lo, said, "The first of July 1997 was a historic moment for us because the Chinese Government formally resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on that day 25 years ago". Recalling the multiple local and international challenges faced by Hong Kong in the past 25 years, Mr Lo said that despite these difficult times, Hong Kong's economy continues to show resilience and returns to the growth trend quickly and remained the 8th largest trading entity in 2021 according to the WTO's latest figures.
"Hong Kong is now entering a new era of stability and prosperity. Our new term of government under our new Chief Executive Mr John Lee will assume office tomorrow. With full support from the Central authorities, Mr Lee has pledged to unite and lead Hong Kong people to start a new chapter together, and to continue to ensure the successful implementation of the "One country, Two systems" principle and to maintain Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy to sustain our long-term prosperity and stability," Mr Lo added.
Echoing Mr Lo, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin, Miss Jenny Szeto said, "Hong Kong’s economic outlook remained positive despite the pandemic, with an overall growth of 6.4% in 2021, while investment expenditure even rose by 10.1%. For 2022, notwithstanding the disruption caused by the latest Omicron wave and worsened global economic prospects, the latest forecast still expects a growth of 1 to 2% in real terms for the year as a whole."
Miss Szeto further updated the audience on the latest happenings in the arts and cultural scene in Hong Kong. "The Hong Kong Palace Museum is opening on July 2, and, together with the M+, is set to become the icon of the West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the world's largest cultural projects," she said.
The theme of the 25th anniversary celebration is "A New Era - Stability, Prosperity and Opportunity". It not only represents Hong Kong's exemplary achievements over the past 25 years, but also underscores its eager anticipation for and confidence in a brighter future.
Ends/Friday, July 1, 2022
Issued at HKT 4:25
Issued at HKT 4:25
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