Profound sorrow over passing of former Vice-Chairman of CPPCC National Committee and first Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr Tung Chee Hwa
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Mr Tung became the first Chief Executive of the HKSAR in 1997, serving in the position until March 2005. He served as Vice-Chairman of the 10th to 13th National Committee of the CPPCC from 2005 to 2023. He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2006.
"Mr Tung was the first Chief Executive of the HKSAR. His distinguished leadership rendered exemplary contributions to the smooth process of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, as well as the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle and the Basic Law. During his tenure of over seven years, Mr Tung successfully steered Hong Kong through the turmoil of the Asian financial crisis and led the people of Hong Kong in overcoming a wide range of challenges through concerted efforts, thereby facilitating a robust economic recovery and maintaining social prosperity and stability. With visionary foresight, he instituted mechanisms to promote economic and trade ties and co-ordinated development between Hong Kong and the Mainland, laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong's enduring competitiveness. His contributions to Hong Kong were exceptionally significant.
"Upon the conclusion of his tenure as Chief Executive in 2005, Mr Tung assumed the office of Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, where he continued to offer his counsel at the national level and further contributed to the prosperity, stability and sustained development of Hong Kong. He was also instrumental in uniting the city to foster in depth exchanges between Hong Kong and the international community, elevating Hong Kong's role and influence on the global stage. Mr Tung dedicated his life to serving the country and Hong Kong. I am profoundly grieved by his passing, and his life-long and monumental contributions to Hong Kong will forever be etched on our memory. On behalf of the HKSAR, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family," said Mr Lee.
Ends/Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:28
Issued at HKT 11:28
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