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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, officiated at the "Towards a Better Future" exhibition to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing today (June 27).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tsang said that the HKSAR's 15th anniversary underscored the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the Basic Law. With the strong support of the Central Government and the people of the motherland, and the determination and perseverance of Hong Kong people, Hong Kong had overcome challenges in finance, public health and many other areas.
"Over the past 15 years, Hong Kong, as Asia's world city, has played an important role as the gateway between the Mainland and the rest of the world, contributing to the country's economic development. We have also maintained close connections with the Mainland and identified new opportunities for development, to the benefit of both," he said.
"Since reunification, co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland has grown rapidly, both in depth and in breadth. The areas of co-operation have extended beyond trade. Exchanges at different levels and among different sectors, including the professional, academic, cultural and arts sectors, have intensified.
"Looking ahead, we are confident that Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on its strengths and build an even better future with the support of the motherland and the can-do spirit of Hong Kong people."
Other officiating guests included Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, State Vice-President and Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC, Mr Xi Jinping; Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and State Councillor, Madam Liu Yandong; Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Ling Jihua; Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Liao Hui; and Vice-Chairman of the CPPCC and Minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Du Qinglin.
Leading officials from the Central Government, Beijing Municipal Government, Beijing Offices of various provinces and autonomous regions, and embassies in China also attended the ceremony.
The "Towards a Better Future" exhibition will be held at the National Museum of China in Beijing from June 27 to July 9. Admission is free.
The exhibition comprises five sections, namely Road to Reunification and "One Country, Two Systems", Mutually Beneficial Co-operation Between Hong Kong and the Mainland, Reminiscences of the Old Days, Hong Kong - Asia's World City, and Towards a Better Future.
The exhibition makes extensive use of vivid language, colourful pictures, artefacts, and multi-media and interactive facilities, among others, to showcase Hong Kong's exciting city landscape, the latest developments of different sectors of the economy, and the future development plans of Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:26
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