Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said Wednesday the city
"will see a bumper year ahead" after several downturn years, at his
spring reception at Government House.
Tung said that during the New Year holidays Hong Kong has been
bustling with people, sales and business and uplifting scenes that
have not been seen for years.
"The long and cold winter is over and now our economy has
entered a blossoming new season of spring," he told the guests.
"Even more delightfully, the mainland is thriving with life and
vitality. It gives a powerful impetus to our economic revival. All
indicators point to progress in economic restructuring and
development," said the chief executive.
Tung noted he is meanwhile fully aware of the keen wish of the
community at large that the government should ensure social
stability and revive the economy while allowing people a respite to
build up their strength. The government will therefore forge ahead
with the economic revival plans outlined in the policy address.
"We will get closer to the people and promote 'people-based'
governance; and we will seriously and properly handle the
constitutional review for the healthy development of Hong Kong,"
said Tung.
"I believe all of you and the whole community share my feeling
that Hong Kong once again enjoys immense opportunities after
overcoming the challenges of recent years. The implementation of
CEPA, the launch of 'individual visits' by mainland residents,
enhanced cooperation with Guangdong and Shanghai, the establishment
of local Renminbi banking services, active public listing and
expansion of mainland enterprises in our market, and the
flourishing logistics industry all offer tremendous opportunities
to Hong Kong and our people."
"I hope that all sectors of our community can seize this ideal
moment to succeed in their business and scale new heights," said
Tung.
Tung pledged that government is making every effort to widen the
frontiers of cooperation with the mainland, and the Central
Government will continue to give strong support to these
efforts.
"Good news will keep pouring in throughout the year ahead," he
said.
(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2004)