III-8 Question: July 1, 2007, marks the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. Has Hong Kong developed as the Chinese Government expected? How do you appraise the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong? What role will Hong Kong play in China's future economic development?
A: Hong Kong has been returned to the motherland for 10 years and truly taken an unusual path. Over the past 10 years, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has led the local residents to overcome a series of difficulties including the Asian financial crisis and the SARS epidemic. As a result, Hong Kong has witnessed stability and development of its economy and improvement of its people's living conditions. The reality of Hong Kong in the past 10 years has fully proved that the policy of "one country, two systems," put forward by China's reform and opening architect Deng Xiaoping, and the Basic Law of the HKSAR are completely correct. Hong Kong people, who are now masters of their own affairs, are fully capable of governing the region well.
Today, Hong Kong people's sentimental attachment to the country has changed a lot. They have never felt as they do today that Hong Kong and the interior of China are as interdependent as lips and teeth. Their daily life and economic performance are all evidence of the fact.
What can the people of Hong Kong do for their country? The most important thing is to fully implement the policies of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," and build a harmonious society in Hong Kong. Secondly, possessing a special geographic location, Hong Kong has the most liberal economy in the world, extensive contacts with the international community, and other advantages including a relatively comprehensive legal system and an economic and management talent pool. Therefore, Hong Kong will continue to play its role as an international financial, trade and shipping center, which is irreplaceable by other regions.
In addition, Hong Kong, as the main bridge for mainland trade with the outside world, will continue to play an important intermediary role in introducing management and technology for domestic businesses. In such fields as law, accounting, management, architecture and relevant projects, Hong Kong can provide international-standard and tailor-made services for domestic enterprises and foreign companies investing in China. It can also play an active role in the country's independent innovation, advancing technological edge and training qualified people for national economic construction.
(China.org.cn)