Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Tung Chee Hwa Saturday expressed his hope to improve governance and foster social stability and harmony.

Tung delivered an article at a Hong Kong radio station, saying that he will continue to listen closely to public opinion with an open mind.

He expressed the hope that the Policy Address for 2005 can improve governance, foster social stability and harmony, further enhance economic development, enable more people to share the fruit of social advancement and uphold the vision of "people-based" governance.

Tung said that Hong Kong's economy is now at its best since the Asian financial crisis. Following the economic revival, the principal mission is to further consolidate the achievements and accelerate economic restructuring.

"In the next two and a half years, promoting development will continue to be the government's focus. While reinforcing our traditional strengths, we will work with the community to create new areas of growth, sharpen Hong Kong's competitive edge and create more jobs for our people," Tung said.

The problem of poverty is another focus of public concern and is a major task in building a harmonious society. Combating poverty will require multi-pronged efforts. "In addition to government policies, we have to enlist social resources and mobilize the community at large to produce results," he said.

Hong Kong people have always attached great importance to social harmony. The ultimate goal of our "people-based" governance is to enhance social harmony, Tung said.

The government will adhere to the principle of fairness in governance to properly balance the interests of different social strata and sectors. The government will seriously address the problem of poverty to lessen antagonism between different strata, he said.

"We will do our best to maintain the stability of the middle class and provide more opportunities for their participation in public affairs. We will work hard to enhance Hong Kong people's understanding of our country and strengthen their sense of national identity," Tung said.

"On the basis of upholding 'One Country, Two Systems' and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, we will promote inclusiveness and strive for consensus despite differences," Tung said.

"With so many excellent citizens, the visionary 'One Country, Two Systems', and an established clear positioning and direction, I am confident that we can successfully negotiate any possible rapids and shoals ahead," he added.