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Tsang wishes to visit Taiwan in his term

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-10-15 07:19

HONG KONG: Chief Executive Donald Tsang said yesterday he wished to visit Taiwan during his term.

"My wish to visit Taiwan at a proper time and on a proper occasion during my tenure has not changed," he told reporters after delivering the annual policy address.

The cooperation between Hong Kong and Taiwan has gone beyond trade, the chief executive said, adding that he hopes the two sides can strengthen cooperation in cultural and social fields.

Moreover, "Hong Kong can introduce to Taiwan how the principle of 'one country, two systems' is implemented in the city", he said.

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Hong Kong retained its capitalist system after it returned to socialist China from the British rule in 1997.

Taking Hong Kong's top job in 2005 after former leader Tung Chee-hwa resigned, Tsang will end his current tenure, his second, in 2012.

The Hong Kong leader gave priority to tackling economic challenges in the 2009-10 policy address delivered at the Legislative Council.

Outlining policy directions for the coming year, the policy address set out the plan for Hong Kong to constantly enhance its competitiveness and to evolve into a high value-added, knowledge-based economy.

Tsang set out plans for Hong Kong to build on the strength of its four traditional pillar industries, and boost the development of six industries where it has a clear advantage, like education and medical services.

Tsang said Hong Kong was hit hard by the global financial turmoil and the economic downturn but the people of Hong Kong have done a great job in keeping the ship afloat.

"I am confident that, for the rest of the year, our economy will improve further and gradually recover," he told the Legislative Council.

Hong Kong reversed four quarters of economic contraction in the second quarter this year to record a quarter-on-quarter growth of 3.3 percent, benefiting from the strength of the mainland's economy.

"Hong Kong must constantly enhance its competitiveness and continue to evolve into a high value-added, knowledge-based economy to maintain its leading edge over global competitors and create more quality jobs," Tsang said in the 90-minute address.

The six industries, proposed earlier by a task force as potential growth engines, were education services, medical services, testing and certification, environmental industries, innovation and technology, and cultural and creative industries.

Tsang said the innovation and knowledge-based industries also include traditional pillars such as financial services, tourism, trading and logistics, and professional services.

"We must try every means to enhance the flow of people, goods, capital and information that are related to the four pillar industries," he said.

China Daily - Xinhua