"Looking back over the last 10 years, the United States believes
that 'One country, Two systems' has been a success for Hong Kong
and for China," U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong James B.
Cunningham said on Wednesday.
"After 10 years, Hong Kong remains the most open and developed
part of China," said Cunningham at a luncheon hosted by The Better
Hong Kong Foundation.
Over the past 10 years, Hong Kong, like much of the rest of
Asia, had faced its share of trials. But Hong Kong had been able to
rebound - decidedly so, he said, adding that economic growth over
the last three years has been strong and Hong Kong's role as an
international financial center has strengthened.
The Chinese Central Government had acted over the years in
concrete ways to support Hong Kong's economic development and
prosperity, the Consul General said, citing the closer economic
partnership arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the
introduction and expansion of the individual visitor scheme that
allow mainlanders to visit Hong Kong freely, the growing
cooperation within the Pan-Pearl River Delta region and the
liberalization of rules on the use of renminbi in business and
finance.
He said that these remain important elements of Hong Kong's past
and future economic success. "Importantly, though, Hong Kong serves
as an example of more than just an economic success story."
Hong Kong remains a model Chinese society that observes the rule
of law, follows free and fair market principles, allows unfettered
entrepreneurial activity, and respects freedom and human rights,
including religious freedom, he said.
"Its political system is evolving, and public participation in
civic affairs is growing," he noted.
Before and since 1997, the implementation of this historic
experiment of "One country, Two systems" had been of great interest
to the international community, he said, adding that after 10
years, the U.S. continues to have great hopes for Hong Kong's
future.
"This is more than a thing of mere words, because the U.S. has a
measurable stake in Hong Kong's success," he said.
As Asia's world city, Hong Kong plays an important role which
benefits China, the U.S. and many others in the globalized,
interdependent 21st century, he said.
America itself has no small stake in Hong Kong. It is America's
15th largest export market. 60,000 U.S. citizens reside here, and a
million more Americans visit each year. 1,200 U.S. firms have local
and regional offices here and U.S. direct investment in Hong Kong
totals US$38 billion.
"The United States' vision for Hong Kong's future is bright
indeed. We see a Hong Kong that is part of a prosperous, stable,
and confident China, and which contributes to its country and the
world by continuing to be a leading light in economic freedoms,
civil liberties and respect for human rights."
"We see a Hong Kong that continues to adapt and respond to
changes, a Hong Kong whose government has found the legitimacy that
comes from popular elections. We envision a Hong Kong that draws
strength from its Chinese heritage as well as its Western heritage,
a Hong Kong that has found its own voice, and is a positive,
dynamic force in China's development on all fronts," he said.
He said that polls show the Hong Kong people are generally
optimistic about the future and about their role in China.
"The United States shares that optimism and congratulates Hong
Kong on being on the path to success. We have strong expectations
that Hong Kong will continue on that high road," the Consul General
said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2007)