Renowned figures in both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) told Xinhua that the 16th National Congress of the CPC, the first of its kind to be convened in the new century, is of great significance for China's reform, opening up and modernization drive.

Henry Fok and Ma Man-kei, vice-chairmen of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the HKSAR and MSAR respectively, have wished the congress every success, adding that such will enable China to enter a new era of being stronger and more prosperous.

Both Fok and Ma agreed that the event will also have great impact on the continuous successful implementation of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and help promote the peaceful reunification of the motherland.

Fok said the congress has already attracted wide attention from around the world. He said under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people are not only emancipated from the plight of poverty, but are also enjoying national independence. Moreover, China is taking great strides along the path leading to prosperity.

Since China initiated the policy of reform and opening up, and particularly in the 13 years after the 4th Plenary Session of the 13th CPC Central Committee, the third generation of the CPC's leadership with Jiang Zemin at its core have been holding aloft the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory while keeping abreast of the times, achieving remarkable successes in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

With both Hong Kong and Macao having returned to the motherland, Fok continued, the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" has been successfully implemented in the two regions, setting good examples for the ultimate solution of the Taiwan issue.

He said with the 16th national congress to be convened under such favorable national circumstances, the blueprint to be laid down thereof for the future development of China will be of far-reaching significance.

Ma Man-kei described his close relationship with the CPC since the 1940s as "mutual aid and sincere care for each other" and "the sharing weal and woe for some 60 years."

Ma, in his eighties, said he is happy about the holding of the 16th CPC national congress.

He expressed hopes that all the Communist Party members will exemplify Jiang Zemin and preceding leaders Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping in continuing the fine traditions of being willing to sacrifice for others, to serve the people and to work hard.

Ma added that the 16th congress is expected to comprehensively carry forward the essential theory of the Three Represents as put forward by Jiang Zemin.

Tsang Hin-chi, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, said China's future is intertwined with the CPC, while the HKSAR's future is intertwined with the mainland.

He stressed that the 16th national congress will lead China into a new era, stressing that China's prosperity is the cornerstone for the long-term stability and prosperity of the HKSAR.

Since the implementation of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," the people of Hong Kong have enhanced their sense of the country and of the nation, Tsang said, adding that the 16th national congress is also deemed instrumental in making further achievements in the cause of "one country, two systems."

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2002)