President Hu Jintao's visit to Hong Kong not only provided him with an opportunity to witness the historic moments of the Special Administrative Region's (SAR) 10th anniversary but also to sum up the implementation of "one country, two systems" in the territory.

Following the phenomenal progress over the last 10 years, Hong Kong people will now be able to embark on a new mission with more confidence and with their heads held high.

The 10 years since the reunification saw the emergence of a new Hong Kong.

The HKSAR has scripted a "new" story in the sense that the novel system of "one country, two systems" has been firmly established and has received huge support and recognition of Hong Kong people and the international community.

"New" because the process of democratization moved forward in a gradual and orderly manner, enabling Hongkongers to become the master of their own destiny and to manage the affairs within the scope of the SAR's autonomy.

"New" because the city was increasingly integrated with the mainland and has found more room for economic development and new business opportunities.

Hong Kong took on new outlooks in various social aspects. That the SAR needs stability, harmony and development has become the mainstream opinion. Hong Kong people's national identity and pride are on the rise.

As an SAR and separate customs territory, Hong Kong has been able to widen its participation in international and regional affairs and expanded its external connection.

Just as President Hu said, in the course of human history, 10 years is but a fleeting moment, but to the cause of "one country, two systems", the past decade had been one of the unprecedented creations.

Now Hong Kong stands at a new starting point, looking forward to enormous development opportunities as well as challenges. Having reaped its harvest from the past 10 years, the HKSAR is ready to sow the seeds for a new season.

President Hu said that the territory's 10 years of enviable achievements on economic and social fronts and in international affairs have laid a firm foundation for the city's future development.

Summing up the invaluable lessons drawn from the "one country, two systems", Hu said that this experience would serve as the key guiding principle for Hong Kong's future.

Riding on such solid foundation, the people have high hopes for and full confidence in the HKSAR's development in the next decade and beyond.

(China Daily 07/02/2007 page4)