Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Friday that since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, "it is most noticeable to me that the feelings of Hong Kong people towards the country and the nation have undergone striking changes."

He made the remarks at a reception held on Friday morning in celebration of the eighth anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Tsang said these changes do not come without reason. On the contrary, it is the distillation of the invaluable experiences gathered over eight momentous years.

He stressed that "never has the bond of flesh and blood, the interdependency between Hong Kong and the mainland been so real to us. Every day of life, every day of running business bears living testimony to it."

Now, the community as a whole has developed the consensus that in order for Hong Kong's economy to sustain growth, "Hong Kong must leverage the staunch support of the Chinese mainland as well as our own global outlook, and fortify our status as an international hub of finance, trade, logistics, tourism and information, he said.

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

Tsang said Friday marks the eighth anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China, adding "I am delighted to celebrate this memorable event with you all for the first time as Chief Executive of the HKSAR."

He said July 1 signifies the return of Hong Kong to the motherland, a milestone in the mission of "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong." "Standing up here, my heart is filled with emotion, of solemnity and sacredness. This emotion stems from the pride and honor I feel at being given the opportunity to make greater contributions to the nation and to Hong Kong," he said.

Tsang added that "we love our country and we love Hong Kong because that is what we should do, and we do naturally from our heart."

He said he was sworn in as Chief Executive last week in Beijing. The two-day visit was brief but the experience goes deep. Most profound of all, he feels the high degree of trust and support from the central government.

He said the central government's support for Hong Kong is not empty talk. Its action has spoken loud and clear throughout the last eight years. Nor is the patriotism of the Hong Kong people mere lip service. Over past decades, especially since China's adoption of the opening up and reform policy, Hong Kong people have made tremendous contributions to the nation.

Tsang stressed that Hong Kong is a definite asset to the country. Eight years more experienced now, this asset will undoubtedly further prove its worth.

He recalled that at a meeting last week, President Hu Jintao expressed his approval for the people-based governing principle that he proposed, and encouraged him to upgrade the governance for the well-being of the people. This is exactly what Hong Kong citizens ask for.

Tsang pledged to all citizens that under the government's administration: decision making will be accountable and expeditious -- based on the interests of the people, and implementation of policies will be efficient -- realized by meritocracy.

He said "through improved governance, we will ride the present momentum of recovery and go all out to develop our economy."

Before the reception, a grand national flag raising ceremony was specially held at the Golden Bauhinia Square.

Henry Ying Tung Fok, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Donald Tsang, Gao Siren, head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, and a number of other officials attended the ceremony, together with thousands of distinguished guests, Hong Kong citizens and tourists to Hong Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2005)