Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Celebrate Singapore's 60th Anniversary (SG60) Gala Dinner organised by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) tonight (August 1):

Honourable Consul General Ong Siew Gay (Consul General of Singapore in Hong Kong), Chairman Lawrence Chia (Chairman, Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong)), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. I'm honoured to be here at the SG60 Gala Dinner organised by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Singapore.

     This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China. This milestone gives another meaning and significance to this year's celebration.

     Just two days ago, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government attended Singapore's 60th National Day Reception and underlined the deep and long-standing ties that bind our two economies, our two cultures and peoples.

     Hong Kong and Singapore have long enjoyed close and cordial bilateral trade and economic relations. To note, Singapore is Hong Kong's fourth-largest trading partner and our largest ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) partner in merchandise trade, as well as the fifth-largest destination of our outward investment. The fact that the Chief Executive led a high-level business delegation to Singapore two years ago highlights the importance we place on strengthening our partnership with Singapore. 

     Hong Kong is keen to contribute further to regional integration through our early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We are encouraged by the favourable responses we have received from RCEP members, and we are grateful to Singapore for lending support to our formal accession request.

     I look forward to much more collaboration between Hong Kong and Singapore down the road. Under the great concept of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong, being a Special Administrative Region of China, benefits from national programmes such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. At the same time, Hong Kong has been accorded the position of the "eight centres" in the National 14th Five-year Plan, which has opened up a whole host of new opportunities for various industries in Hong Kong, ranging from finance, I&T, trade, aviation, logistics to arts and cultures. These opportunities are not only for Hong Kong, but are also open to overseas companies - including of course Singapore companies - which can use Hong Kong as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between Mainland China and the rest of the world.

     Singapore and Hong Kong bear a lot of resemblance. We are geographically small, and our population is not big. What's more is that our people are hardworking and possess characteristically good entrepreneurial spirit and a global perspective. And we are good-natured and friendly people. I have no doubt the friendship between Singapore and Hong Kong will grow stronger and stronger, for us to shine together, today and tomorrow.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take the opportunity to bid farewell, once again, to Consul-General Ong Siew Gay, who will be returning to Singapore next week. Siew Gay, you have been such a dear friend and partner, not only to the Hong Kong SAR Government but also to the whole Hong Kong community. Thank you for your immense contribution, and we wish you the best in your new journey.

     Tonight, with dinner, wine, dancing and entertainment, as well as a charity auction and lucky draw, and even a supper of Singaporean hawker fare, this will surely be a night to remember.

     So, enjoy the party. Best wishes to Singapore and Singaporeans in Hong Kong! Thank you very much.

Ends/Friday, August 1, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:36

NNNN