Your Excellency Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, the Honorable Minister of Transport, Malaysia,

Datuk Yang Tianpei, President of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce,

Datuk Ng Teck Fong, President of the Malaysia Seven Major Clans Association,

Mr. Yap Kian Chiaw JP, Deputy President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia,

Dato' Seri Lim Kam Sang, Vice President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia,

Mr. Chen Kaixi, Secretary-General of Malaysia-China Friendship Association,

Your Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

 

Good Morning.

First of all, on behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, I'd like to express warm welcome to friends of all works coming to the Photograph Exhibition in Celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of the Hong Kong's Return to the People's Republic of China.  I'd also like to express my sincere appreciation to the co- sponsors for the great support and assistance they offered to the Exhibition.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The 1^st of July 1997 is an unforgettable day which will be recorded in the history of China and even the whole world.  On that day, the Chinese Government resumed its sovereignty over Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China was established.  After over hundred years of separation, Hong Kong finally returned to the arms of motherland and entered a new era of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong People Governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy.  The oriental pearl sparkles with new glamour.

In last 10 years, with the care of the Chinese Central Government and all the Chinese people, the unremitting efforts of the Hong Kong people, and the joint support of overseas Chinese, the innovated policy of "One China, Two Systems" became actual practice and enjoyed great success.

Under the strong support of the mainland economy, Hong Kong survived the 1997 Asia Financial Crisis.  The economy has recovered and witnessed sustainable development.  Hong Kong also established closer economic relations with mainland China.  Hong Kong's position as international financial center is further enforced.  Up to the end of April 2007, the Hong Kong stock market value surpassed 14 trillion Hong Kong dollars, ranking the 8^th in the world and the 2^nd in Asia.  The number of companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange increased from 658 in 1997 to 1173 in 2006.  Of the world's top 100 banks, 69 are operating in Hong Kong.  Hong Kong remains as the international and regional aviation center, as well as one of the freest and the most open and energetic economic body in the world.

Under the support of the Chinese Government, Hong Kong becomes member of more than 190 international organizations whose members are not necessarily sovereign states and also involves as member of the Chinese delegation in more than 20 international organizations whose members are sovereign states.  With the permission of the Central Government, Hong Kong has signed about 250 agreements with other countries, regions and organizations to promote cooperation in such areas as economy, science and technology, justice, transportation and health.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The great development of Hong Kong after its return and the successful return of Macao later on demonstrate by facts that "One China, Two Systems" innovated by the Chinese Government is not only a great concept, but have already become great reality and provide successful examples to the solution of the Taiwan issue.  China's unification is not only the common wish of all the people in China, including those in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, but also the common goal of all overseas Chinese around the world.  China's unification is a cause that nobody and no force could stop and it is to be fulfilled without fail.

Today when we hold the Photograph Exhibition here, we are not only proud of Hong Kong's achievements within the last decade, but also confident in its bright future.  We'd like to show our heartfelt appreciation towards our old and new friends here who are always in supportive of Hong Kong's development and China's unification cause.  The Chinese Government and people will go on working closely with all our friends, domestic and overseas, for the prosperity of Hong Kong and the fulfillment of China's unification.

Thank you.