Hong Kong celebrates its eighth anniversary
By Tonny Chan (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-02 01:44

HONG KONG: Around 30,000 people took to the streets in Hong Kong on Friday to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the SAR's reunification with the motherland.

And looking to the future, recently appointed Chief Executive (CE) Donald Tsang promised an efficient and accountable decision-making and implementation process for the region.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang (C) sings the national anthem beside his wife Salina (2nd R), Hong Kong tycoon Henry Fok (2nd L), head of Beijing's main representative office in Hong Kong Gao Siren (L) and Hong Kong Chief Justice Andrew Li, during a ceremony marking the eighth anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the motherland July 1, 2005. [Reuters]

Speaking at the official anniversary reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Tsang proposed a toast to the country's success and the SAR's continued stability and prosperity. Hong Kong people's feelings towards the country has undergone a "striking change" over the past eight years, Tsang told the 1,200 guests.

"It's the distillation of the invaluable experiences gathered over eight momentous years. Never has the bond of flesh and blood, the interdependency between Hong Kong and the mainland been so real to us," the said.

Speaking about his meeting last week with President Hu Jintao in Beijing, where Premier Wen Jiabao administered him the oath of office, Tsang said the president had encouraged him to "upgrade governance" for the well-being of the people. "This is exactly what Hong Kong people ask for, and the path the SAR government has embarked on," the said, stressing that Hong Kong was on the threshold of a new start.

Tsang promised that his administration would ensure accountable and expedient decision-making. He also vowed to make policy implementation efficient.

From Happy Valley's Hong Kong Stadium, about 30,000 people set out on a three-hour parade to the Southern Playground in Wan Chai. Thousands of colourfully dressed Hongkongers, holding the national and SAR flags and chanting slogans for the territory's harmony and prosperity, marched down the streets. Enroute they drew thousands of onlookers, many of whom joined the revelry.

Celebrations began at 8 am in the Golden Bauhinia Square, with the national and SAR flags hoisted to the playing of the national anthem at a solemn ceremony, witnessed by nearly 1,000 guests. Four helicopters flew in formation over the venue and a fireboat sprayed water cannons as it passed by.

Tsang told the elite gathering that the community had reached a consensus that Hong Kong must continue to build on the support of the mainland and the edge it enjoys as a global business hub if it is to sustain economic growth.

"We all share the belief that by harnessing this advantage, and only by doing so, can we truly open the way forward for Hong Kong," he said.

Democratic Alliance for Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) legislator Chan Kam-lam told China Daily that after eight years of difficulties, Hong Kong people were bound to have "certain feelings"

"I agree with his (Tsang's) saying that Hong Kong people are indeed patriotic and have experienced the support shown by the central government for the past eight years," Chan said.

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