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Hong Kong looks to bright future
By Tonny Chan, Eddie Luk (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-02 01:57

Hong Kong celebrated the seventh anniversary of its return to the motherland on Thursday as Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa vowed to double efforts to improve governance to meet the aspirations of the community at large.

Tung made the pledge as he proposed a toast for Hong Kong's future with about 1,000 guests at an official reception marking the birthday of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).


Hong Kong Chief Executive  Tung Chee-hwa speaks to reporters at Hong Kong government headquarters Thursday, July 1, 2004. [AP]
He said the past year was a severe test for the government. Yet "thanks to the staunch support of the central government and the concerted efforts of all citizens, we have managed to tide over all difficulties and Hong Kong has now turned the corner."

Tung said he was confident that Hong Kong's future would be even better.

The day of celebrations started at 8 am at Golden Bauhinia Square with the hoisting of the national and SAR flags to the national anthem in a solemn ceremony witnessed by about 3,000 dignitaries and representatives from all districts.

Four helicopters flew over the venue in formation and a fireboat, splashing water, passed in Victoria Harbour.

Led by Tung, the ceremony was attended by top officials, including the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, Gao Siren, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, Yang Wenchang, and the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Wang Jitang.

Local deputies to the National People's Congress and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference -- along with legislators and members of the consular corps -- also attended.

Shortly afterwards, at a reception, Tung said the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" had landed Hong Kong in a new phase of historical development.

He said Hong Kong was at its most difficult moment this time last year after six years of economic restructuring and the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Tung said Hong Kong had witnessed a strong rebound in the economy and increased public confidence in its future.

He said there was still room for improvement as many people have yet to gain from the economic rebound.

Constitutional development will move forward in a gradual and orderly manner in accordance with the Basic Law, with the ultimate aim of universal suffrage.

Visit to PLA barracks

About 15,000 people visited the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison barracks Thursday as part of the celebration.


A PLA officer demonstrates his weapon to a visiting schoolgirl in the PLA Hong Kong Garrison barrack in Stanley on Thursday, June 1, 2004. [newsphoto]

At Stonecutters' Island naval base and the barracks in Shek Kong and Stanley, citizens of all ages attended a national flag-raising ceremony, boarded military ships, and got the chance to examine helicopters and various weapons.

They also watched military training, singing and dancing performances as well as acrobatic shows. Many visitors took photos with PLA soldiers.

The opening to the public by the army camps has become a channel for Hong Kong citizens to know more about the PLA soldiers' military training, their study and daily life.

Demonstration in HK

Meanwhile, Xinhua reported that a demonstration took place at Victoria Park Thursday afternoon.

Demonstrators gathered at the park at 2:30 pm and marched along streets, causing traffic jams.

The Chinese central government has made various efforts to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, including signing the closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with Hong Kong and opening to the public the barracks of the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army.

In addition, the central government allowed the banks of Hong Kong to run Renminbi service and eased the restrictions on the mainland travelers to Hong Kong. It also promoted to establish the Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operation framework, which was signed by Hong Kong, Macao and eight provincial areas of the mainland earlier last month.

All these moves received welcome and support by Hong Kong residents.



 
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