HK can make bigger contribution to country: chief executive

Hong Kong can make an even bigger contribution to the motherland if viewed from a broader perspective against the backdrop of the further development of the country, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang said Saturday.

Speaking at the government reception celebrating the 56th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, Tsang said that after 56 years of striving for advancement, particularly since the implementation of the reforms and the opening up policy over two decades ago, today, a new China stands tall in the world.

As the southern gateway to China, Hong Kong is geo-economically and politically best positioned to ride on this powerful current, Tsang said. After eight years of vigorous adjustment, Hong Kong's economy is increasingly integrated with the mainland's, particularly with the Pearl River Delta (PRD), to form a sophisticated and competitive regional economic powerhouse.

He said the historic visit to the PRD a few days ago with all members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) signified a long- awaited breakthrough in the communication and cooperation with the mainland.

"When we view it in a broader context, against the backdrop of the future development of the Pan-PRD and our country, we will find that the scope and potential for cooperation are far wider than we imagined, that the people of Hong Kong can make an even bigger contribution to our country and that we can generate even greater prosperity," Tsang said.

He promised that the SAR government will strive to improve governance as well as promote economic growth and social harmony.

He also hoped that all members of the public will embrace this new development of Hong Kong with an open mind and with tolerance.

Government officials, celebrities and guests from all walks of life in Hong Kong, including Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Henry Fok, Tung Chee Hwa, Director of the Lianison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR Gao Siren, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Yang Wenchang and Commander of the PLA Garrison Troops in Hong Kong Wang Jitang, attended the reception.

Earlier in the morning, more than 2,000 Hong Kong residents and visitors gathered at the Golden Bauhinia Square for the flag raising ceremony marking China's National Day.

Source: Xinhua