Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday expressed strong confidence that Hong Kong will have a better future and said what the city needs most now is "understanding, trust and unity.''

Premier Wen Jiabao (centre) toasts for the future of Hong Kong as other officials and famous businessmen stand under the Chinese national flag at the end of a ceremony in Hong Kong Tuesday, July 1, 2003, marking the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong's return China. [newsphoto.com.cn]

He also reiterated the central government's full support for anything that will contribute to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as well as the common development of the region and the mainland.

"Hong Kong's future will be shaped by the people of Hong Kong. What is most needed now are understanding, trust and unity; as well as confidence, courage and action,'' he said at a cocktail reception to mark the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday.

Delivering a keynote speech to more than 2,000 guests, Wen said the fundamental interests and well-being of all Hong Kong people lie in the long-term prosperity, stability and development of Hong Kong.

"I hope Hong Kong compatriots will cherish the hard-won position as masters of their own affairs, and make efforts to fulfill the popular aspiration for social stability and seize precious opportunities for development.''

Although Hong Kong is facing temporary difficulties, Wen said he has all the reason to believe that it will have a better tomorrow.

Soldiers raise the national flag at the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on July 1, 2003, which marks the 82th birthday of the Communist Party of China. [newsphoto.com.cn]

"Hong Kong is like a huge vessel on its journey, braving waves and riding through turbulent currents and dangerous rapids.''

But Hong Kong people, with their wisdom, expertise as well as hard-working and enterprising spirit, "are the driving force of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity,'' he said.

He also restated the central government's full backing for the special administrative region.

"I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate that the new central government will, as always, unswervingly implement the policy of 'One Country, Two Systems,' act in strict accordance with the Basic Law, fully support the chief executive and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in their administration according to law, and safeguard all the rights and freedoms the local residents enjoy.''

He added that he hoped the local people will love the motherland and Hong Kong, and all will come together to strive for a brighter future.

Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa expressed thanks to the new central government for the care, support and trust it has shown.

He said the SAR government will seize the golden opportunity provided by the newly-signed Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, and vigorously foster closer ties with the mainland, particularly the Pearl River Delta.

"After the outbreak of SARS, we are more determined than ever in our conviction: Rapid economic recovery and early realization of economic restructuring is a shared mission of the SAR government and Hong Kong's 6.8 million citizens,'' Tung said.

"We will do all we can to bring our economic growth back on track as soon as possible,'' he said.

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