The chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, said in Hong Kong Sunday that his government will be committed to adhering to the principle of people-based governance.

The chief executive made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the third-term government of the HKSAR at the HK Convention and Exhibition Center.

"We will build a government that is more open. The public will not only be the focus of our policies, the public will be our partners in devising them," said Tsang.

He also pledged to build a professional, experienced and energetic administration in the new term of the HKSAR government.

The new government will develop a system that is more democratic and will work together with Hong Kong people to identify the most acceptable mode of universal suffrage to best serve the interests of Hong Kong, said Tsang.

He said his administration will promote a new mode of economic development, with the financial sector being expanded and investment in infrastructure being increased to drive wage rises and create more job opportunities for grassroots workers.

He promised to create a better quality of life, noting "our people deserve to enjoy clean food, clean air, a beautiful environment and the protection of our heritage."

The chief executive vowed to promote a new caring culture.

He said many in society are still unable to benefit from Hong Kong's strong economic revival and are facing tremendous pressure in their daily lives.

The government will invest more in community development projects to create jobs through social enterprises and bring hope to less advantaged groups, said the chief executive.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2007)