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The Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr Li Keqiang, attended a welcome dinner to meet people from various sectors this evening (August 17) on the second day of his visit to Hong Kong.
Principal Officials, Permanent Secretaries, Legislative Council members, representatives of civil service organisations and people from various sectors in the community were invited to the welcome dinner.
Addressing the dinner party, Mr Li said, "Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, our compatriots in Hong Kong have, with the strong support of the Central Government, made concerted and tenacious efforts to promote Hong Kong's development. Hong Kong has seized the historical opportunities created by China's rapid development and accelerating economic globalisation. Hong Kong has also withstood the severe impact of the two financial crises and overcome many difficulties, thus maintaining its status as the most dynamic liberal economy in the world and an international financial, trade and shipping centre. Hong Kong enjoys prosperity and stability and has a promising future. The remarkable achievements Hong Kong has made since its return to the motherland fully demonstrate the vitality of the policy of 'One Country, Two Systems'.
"The current international environment for development remains a difficult one, and the world faces both rare opportunities and multiple problems and challenges. The recent turbulence in the international financial markets shows that the global economic recovery will not be smooth sailing. However, no matter what obstacles and challenges may lie ahead, we are as confident as ever in the future of Hong Kong."
Mr Li pointed out that a convenient and special geographical location and all the advantages Hong Kong has accumulated after years of development have laid a solid foundation for the city's long-term prosperity and stability. He added that the hard work of the Hong Kong people holds the key to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
"Hong Kong's global reputation and prosperity today have come about thanks to the hard work of generations of our Hong Kong compatriots. With vision and diligence, the people of Hong Kong are good at seizing opportunities and opening up new ground in business development. They are dedicated to work and are thoroughly professional. This is the secret behind the Hong Kong miracle. To promote Hong Kong's future development, the people of Hong Kong need to pool their wisdom and work as a team. Hong Kong should pursue harmonious development and make life better for its people, and, in the course of doing so, make itself a more dynamic and innovative city," he said.
Prior to the dinner, Mr Li met the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang; Principal Officials; the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Geoffrey Ma Tao-li; and representatives of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council.
Ends/Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:46
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