Following is the transcript of Commissioner Lu's remarks at the New Year Reception .

Honorable Consuls-General, your spouses,

Friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Commissioner's Office of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong SAR, my wife and I would like to extend to you our warm welcome and best wishes in the New Year.

In 2006, the Chinese people working hard in unity, achieved fresh progress in building a prosperous society in an all around way and in carrying out the 11th Five Year Plan. China will continue adhering to the path of peaceful development, engaging globally and making new contributions to building a harmonious world of lasting peace and prosperity.

2006 is an extraordinary year for Hong Kong. With the support of the central government, the SAR government, headed by Donald Tsang and working under the policy of putting economic development and improving livelihood at the centre, has made remarkable achievements together with the Hong Kong community. Economic momentum here is encouraging; social stability is maintained and people are looking forward to even better life, which are reasons enough to justify Hong Kong community's confidence in the city's long term development. At the same time, the SAR government is active in expanding global engagement and participation in international economic affairs. One such example was the successful ITU expo 2006 held here. Margaret Chan from Hong Kong was elected WHO Director-General with the support from various parties. All these have helped make known Hong Kong's good image and raised its international profile.

Friends, in the past year, the Commissioner's Office and Consulates-General here and other institutions had close and friendly cooperation. You also made positive contributions to boosting cooperation between Hong Kong and various countries and international organizations in economic, cultural and other fields. I appreciate very much your support and cooperation since I took office in February 2006.

In the new year, we will continue to unswervingly implement the policy of "One country, two systems" and act in strict accordance with the obligations enshrined in the Basic Law. I look forward to closer cooperation and communication with you in 2007. Let's work together for the common prosperity of Hong Kong and the world at large.

May I propose a toast to:

The long term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong;

Cooperation between Hong Kong and your respective country;

And good health to you all.

Cheers!