Toast by Mr. Yang Wenchang,Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.C. in the Hong Kong SAR At the Chinese New Year’s Reception

12 February, 2004

　   The Honorable Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa,

　　Deputy Director Peng Qinghua,

　　Major General Wang Jitang and Liu Liangkai,

　　Distinguished Consul Generals,

　　Ladies and Gentlemen,

　　At the beginning of spring, I would like to extend to all of you season’s greetings and sincere gratitude for your presence on behalf of the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.C. in the Hong Kong SAR. I wish every one present a happy new year and greater success and achievements in your career and business.

　　The year of 2003 was an extraordinary year for China. Domestically, under the leadership of the new generation of Central Government leaders, the Chinese people of all nationalities joined efforts and won the fight against SARS and natural disasters of various kinds and achieved a dynamic economic growth of 9.1%. Meanwhile, developments in all other aspects of our society kept good momentum. In particular, the first manned space flight of our country scored great success. In the international arena, China continued to pursue the independent foreign policy of peace. We improved and strengthened relations with all countries in the world, pushed forward international and regional cooperation and made further contributions to the maintenance of world peace and regional stability as well as the progress of human civilization.

　　The people of the Hong Kong SAR, under the leadership of the SAR Government headed by Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, fought against the scourge of SARS, worked hard towards development and stability and scored hard-won achievements in face of enormous difficulties. An annual growth rate of 3.5% was achieved last year, which is more than doubled the estimates, and laid a good foundation for the economic growth in the new year. Achievements of last year were the results of the administration under the law by the SAR Government, as well as the united efforts and hard work by the Hong Kong compatriots. They were also the results of the care and support of the Central Government and the people in the rest of the country. Here I would like to emphasize that, Hong Kong, as an international city in the southern part of China, has carried out extensive economic and trade cooperation with various countries in the world. This is also an important reason why Hong Kong’s economy has kept good momentum.

　　Over the past year, the Commissioner’s Office strictly abided by the Basic Law in handling Hong Kong-related foreign affairs. Our work was smooth-going thanks to the understanding, cooperation and support from the Hong Kong SAR Government and friends from all walks of life in Hong Kong. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the SAR Government, to the people of all walks of life in Hong Kong, and to the foreign consular missions for your kind support.

　　Ladies and Gentlemen:

　　In the new century, the Chinese Government will continue to implement the independent foreign policy of peace, develop relations of friendly cooperation in an around way with all countries in the world and create favorable surroundings for the economic growth of China and the Asia-Pacific region. The prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong SAR, as an international metropolitan under the sovereignty of China, is not only in the interests of the entire 1.3 billion Chinese people including the Hong Kong compatriots, but also benefits neighboring countries and regions as well as investors from various countries.

　　Looking into the new year, the Commissioner’s Office will continue unswervingly to implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy; firmly safeguard state sovereignty and supreme national interests. We will continue to assist the SAR Government to expand external contacts and increase exchanges and cooperation with other countries in the fields of economy, trade, science, technology and culture etc., to boost its international status and competitiveness. We will also do our best to actively protect the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong compatriots overseas. In a word, my colleagues and I will spare no efforts to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. At the same time, it is our sincere hope that all foreign governments, international organizations as well as foreign consular missions in Hong Kong will care for and support Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and strengthen cooperation in various fields with the Hong Kong SAR so as to achieve a win-win situation.

　　“At the beginning of spring, one can easily feel the breeze coming from the east, which will bring about the beauty of the season and the full blossom of all flowers”. In 2004, there will be a new round of rapid economic growth in China, and Hong Kong will also face fresh opportunities in its economic development, as both its present recovery and future prospects are optimistic. I am convinced that, as long as the Hong Kong people keep the glorious tradition of getting united, Hong Kong is bound to have a better future, with the mainland as its hinterland and the whole world in its perspective. It is my sincere wish that the Hong Kong SAR, under the leadership of Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, will achieve greater success and achievements in all fields, as well as political cohesion and social harmony.

　　Finally, I would like to request all of you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the smooth-going of everything and family happiness of all of us present as well as all the Hong Kong compatriots in the new year.

　　Cheers!