Over 480 organizations and groups jointly held a party Monday evening to congratulate Tung Chee-hwa on his assuming the post as vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Tung and his wife, Henry Ying Tung Fok, the vice-chairman of the CPPCC, Donald Tsang, the Acting Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Gao Siren, the Director of the Lianson Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR, Yang Wenchang, the Commissioner of China's Foreign Ministry in HKSAR and Wang Jitang, the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Garrison Troops in HKSAR attended the congratulatory party.

Henry said Tung's election as the national leader showed a full affirmation by the motherland and its people including Hong Kong people to his successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" and his historic contributions made to Hong Kong.

Henry was confident that after taking the post, Tung will better communicate with the Central Government with his experience in practicing "One Country, Two Systems", strengthen exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong, promote Hong Kong's development and maintain its prosperity, and play a unique and important role for the country and Hong Kong.

Tung expressed appreciation over the assistance and trust from all sectors of Hong Kong society for him and for the SAR over the past seven years.

He said since its return to the motherland in 1997, Hong Kong has entered into a new political age of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. With an all-out support of the country and efforts by all Hong Kong residents, we have not only successfully implemented "One Country, Two Systems", but also revived Hong Kong's economy.

He noted that Hong Kong's prosperity and stability in the future will still keep relying on all people's efforts and support to the HKSAR government.

"I will continue to serve Hong Kong and the country at a different post," Tung said, "I am fully confident of Hong Kong's future."