US Consul General James R. Keith said in Hong Kong Monday that the United States wants to see that Hong Kong is successful, prosperous and stable in the long term.

Keith made the farewell remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce luncheon held for him.

He said the US and China should work more closely together on a broad range of issues relevant to global economic stability, security, and prosperity, adding Hong Kong is playing an instrumental role in this process.

He said "we have a full agenda in US-HK relations. But Hong Kong's broader role and impact on US-China relations is evident in Hong Kong's hosting of the upcoming WTO Sixth Ministerial Meeting in December, part of Hong Kong's ongoing effort to advance the WTO's Doha Round toward a productive conclusion.

Keith said "I'm proud of what American companies have contributed to these efforts and more, including our largest

investors in Hong Kong. These include ExxonMobil, Disney, and all of our firms active in the American Chamber.

In 2004, US exports to Hong Kong totaled 15.8 billion US dollars, making Hong Kong its 13th largest overseas export market.

US direct investment in Hong Kong through 2003 amounted to over 44.3 billion US dollars. Over 1,100 resident American firms operate in Hong Kong.

He said, the economic numbers are all moving in positive directions in Hong Kong. The GDP is growing, unemployment is falling and citizens are expressing confidence about Hong Kong's ability to be reborn as a new dynamic leader in the region and globally.

He said "One Country, Two Systems" has been implemented in Hong Kong in the past seven years and he expressed confidence that the principle will continuously be implemented in the coming years.

On questions of the rule of law in Hong Kong, he said it is crucial to preserve the rule of law in Hong Kong, which is the cornerstone for Hong Kong's success and he is confident that the rule of law will be maintained in Hong Kong.

He said what impressed him most in the past three years is that the community came together while encountering with SARS and other challenges. He said so long as the community come together, Hong Kong can handle all challenges with the wisdom and vision of its people.

Keith said "as I depart Hong Kong, please accept my own expression of common purpose with the government and people. We salute your achievements, and we stand ready to deepen our cooperation in every way possible."

James Keith assumed his responsibilities as Consul General of the United States of America in Hong Kong in August 2002.