Hong Kong on Saturday held a grand celebration for the 9th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

 

At a reception held on Saturday morning, Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of HKSAR, spoke highly of the central government policy toward the special administrative region.

 

Hong Kong's return to the motherland signifies the realization of the concepts of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, he said.

 

 

He said that in implementing these concepts during the past nine years, Hong Kong has achieved success while also encountering challenges and difficulties.

 

"The concept of 'One Country, Two Systems' is an innovative systemic arrangement. Its successful implementation will be historically significant," said Tsang.

 

He told more than 1,000 officials, diplomats and celebrities attending the reception that one of Hong Kong's most important missions is to ensure the successful implementation of the concepts of "One Country, Two Systems" and "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong."

 

Meanwhile, he said Hong Kong should grasp the opportunity of economic growth and keep the economy of Hong Kong in good shape.

 

Also a national flag raising ceremony was held early Saturday morning as part of the grand celebration. Donald Tsang and other senior officials from the HKSAR government attended the ceremony.

 

In addition, over 50,000 people joined a parade on Saturday to celebrate the 9th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

 

Parade was co-organized by more than 800 groups in Hong Kong in this regard. A starting-off ceremony for the parade took place at the Hong Kong Stadium, which was kicked off by the Hong Kong garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army by raising the national flag.

 

Guests who attended the ceremony included Peng Qinghua, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong Rafael Hui.

 

The paraders set off at about 10:30 AM at the starting point, marched through busy streets in Causeway Bay and Wanchai of the Hong Kong Island, and ended at the Wanchai Southern Playground. It carried more than 100 formations which gave on the way performances such as the traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance.

 

The organizers said an estimated 50,000 people participated in the parade, which was attractive to and welcomed by a large number of local residents and tourists.

 

 

 

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2006)