Hong Kong celebrities from various sectors said they believe that Donald Tsang's becoming the Chief Executive (CE) designate is in the mainstream public interest of Hong Kong and expect Tsang to maintain a stable and harmonious social environment for further economic development, according to media reports in Hong Kong Friday.

Hsang Hin Chi, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said Tsang obtained support from the majority of members of the Election Committee, indicating Tsang enjoys popular confidence.

Hsang said he believed that Tsang will make more contributions to Hong Kong's development.

Jose Yun Sun-say, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and president of the Chinese Manufacturing Association of Hong Kong, said Tsang has rich administrative experience. "He is very decisive and has won support of the Hong Kong public."

He said he expected Tsang to maintain the momentum of Hong Kong's economic recovery and reduce meaningless disputes.

Yu Kwok-chun, member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Community Organizations Ltd, said he hoped Tsang will grasp the opportunities of the central government's support to Hong Kong and push ahead with Hong Kong’s all-around economic development.

While congratulating Tsang's becoming the CE designate, people from Hong Kong's business community pin high hopes on Tsang, hoping Tsang will concentrate on economic development and create a better business environment.

Ian Fok Chun-wan, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), said Donald Tsang is capable of implementing his policy blueprint released during his election campaign and leading Hong Kong people into achieving progress.

He said the CGCC expects Tsang to build a harmonious society and make a long-term plan and strategy for Hong Kong's sustainable development.

Tsang is also urged to stick to a market-oriented economy, take advantage of Hong Kong's priorities and build confidence of the citizens.

David Eldon, chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, together with other business leaders in Hong Kong, said they expect Tsang to maintain Hong Kong's stability, create a better business environment, in a bid to attract more foreign investment and promote Hong Kong's economic development.

Hong Kong's various social organizations expressed their hope that Tsang will continue to listen to the public and implement his policy blueprint. They expect Tsang to put emphasis on economic development and create more job opportunities.

Raymond Or, vice chairman and chief executive of the Hang Seng Bank, said Tsang had served in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government for many years, first as Financial Secretary and then Chief Secretary for Administration, and is familiar with the operation of the government.

Or said Tsang has incisive understanding of Hong Kong's economy and financial market and also enjoys high popularity.

Or said he believed that Tsang's becoming the CE designate will help improve Hong Kong's business environment and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center.

Returning Officer for the Chief Executive Election Carley Chu announced on Thursday that Donald Tsang was the only valid candidate in the Chief Executive Election of the HKSAR and has thus automatically become the Chief Executive designate, in accordance with Section 17 of the Chief Executive Election Ordinance.   

 Macao chief expects more co-ops with HK

Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), on Friday extended his congratulations to Donald Tsang Yam-kuen on his becoming the chief executive designate of the Hong Kong SAR.

Ho, in a letter to Tsang, conveyed the congratulations on behalf of the Macao SAR government, according to a press release issued by the Government Information Bureau.

Ho said in the letter that the co-operation between Hong Kong and Macao has been increasing at a steady pace since the establishment of the special administrative regions and he anticipated the co-operation between the two SARs to develop further with joint efforts.

(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2005)