Thriving more than ever

The people of Hong Kong are looking back with pride and forward with confidence as they commemorate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Fifteen years after its historic return to the embrace of the motherland on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong is thriving. Its economy grew 5 percent on average between 2004 and 2011, outpacing most developed economies, and it is continually ranked by international financial institutions as one of the world's most competitive economies.

A number of crippling financial crises and public health scares have threatened to bring the city to its knees during the last 15 years. But except for a few bruises and scrapes, each time it emerged in good shape, thanks in equal measure to the enterprising and hard-working people of Hong Kong, and the unfailing support of the central government.