Grand anniversary:
Chief Executive Donald Tsang delivers his speech at the 14th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region reception at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Gov't committed to a better HK
July 01, 2011
Chief Executive Donald Tsang has assured that the Government will continue to work with full dedication for the betterment of Hong Kong.
Together with other principal officials and guests, Mr Tsang attended the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai, this morning.
Mr Tsang then attended the post-ceremony reception at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.
He said, over the past year, partnership with the community brought significant progress on numerous issues, such as the Statutory Minimum Wage, the Transport Subsidy, the Community Care Fund, and the legal frameworks for selecting the Chief Executive and forming the Legislative Council in 2012.
Renminbi business has continued to grow and Hong Kong has become more integrated with the Pearl River Delta Region. An entire chapter dedicated to Hong Kong and Macau in the nation's 12th Five-Year Plan highlighted the importance the Central Government attaches to Hong Kong and underscored the special role under One Country, Two Systems where Hong Kong can contribute to the nation's development.
Mr Tsang said difficulties and challenges still lie ahead. The Government must tackle issues like the rapidly changing global economy, accelerating inflation and high local property prices which all impact on the economy and people's livelihood.
He said the Government will listen carefully to the different voices and aspirations of the community, and work with it to find feasible solutions, adding the Legislative Council passed the political reform package by a two-thirds majority a year ago, marking a decisive step forward in Hong Kong’s constitutional development.
"This valuable experience shows that only by taking an inclusive, proactive and pragmatic approach can we promote the well-being and best interests of Hong Kong people."