The most important task the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) government faces is to lead Hong Kong out of the present
economic difficulties and restore people's confidence in their
future.
Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the HKSAR, made the statement in
his first policy address in his second term at the Legislative
Council Wednesday afternoon.
Tung pointed out that his policy address will focus on the major
issues of public concern, including the background and causes of
the present economic difficulties, plans to expedite economic
recovery, decisive resolution of the fiscal deficit, as well as
current legislative work on Article 23 of the Basic Law of the
HKSAR.
"My theme today is revitalization of the economy -- only sustained
economic growth can lay the foundation for improving people's
livelihood and help in taking our society forward," he stated.
The common goal of the Hong Kong community, according to the chief
executive, is to achieve long-term prosperity and stability.
Looking back over the past five years, Tung made it clear that the
HKSAR has successfully implemented "One Country, Two Systems,"
weathered the Asian financial crisis, and set the broad direction
for the future development and for steering Hong Kong out of its
economic difficulties.
"It is clear to me that the success of 'One Country, Two Systems'
involves maintaining our socio-economic systems and way of life and
ensuring Hong Kong's economic growth and social progress," he
stressed.
Tung described the "Policy Agenda" which is published together with
his policy address Wednesday as a "road map" for the way forward in
specific policy areas, adding that the former was drawn up after
extensive consultation and thorough deliberation over the past few
months.
"It forms the basis on which we will organize our work and sets the
direction in which the government and the whole community will
strive together," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2003)