The Central Government will, as always, give its all-out support to Hong Kong's development and step up the mutually complementary exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland in quest for common development, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Tuesday.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the 16th World Congress of Accountants, Zhu said, "It gives a distinct pleasure to see the World Congress of Accountants meet in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a shining pearl of China and plays a unique, irreplaceable role in China's modernization drive."
The experience of Hong Kong since its return to the motherland five years ago demonstrates that the "One Country, Two Systems" formula has not only enabled Hong Kong to retain its original systems and characteristics in its continued role as an international trade, financial and shipping center, but also let it acquire stronger support and even broader room for development from the mainland, he said.
The premier said neither Hong Kong's economic strength nor its international competitiveness has declined, although it is experiencing some difficulties in its economy right now.
He said Hong Kong is a place of numerous talents, blessed with a contingent of tiptop professionals and entrepreneurs, accountants included. "This is where Hong Kong's competitive edge lies," Zhu added.
"We are convinced that Hong Kong will always remain dynamic, robust and ready to create new success stories," the premier concluded.
(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2002)
