The civil servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) threw a cocktail reception Thursday to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
In a joyful atmosphere with dinner buffet served at a banquet hall of Hsin Kuang Restaurant in Wanchai, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's government in Hong Kong Gao Siren, HKSAR bureau secretaries, senior civil servants, including members of the Hong Kong Police Force and other disciplinary services, packed the venue in the evening, as they look forward to the national day which officially falls on Oct. 1.
After the Chinese National Anthem was played, Joseph Wong, HKSAR secretary for the Civil Service, made a speech hailing the successful implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" in the five years since Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997.
"Such an achievement has not only brought to realization the creative and bold vision of our late statesman Deng Xiaoping, but also testified to the concerted efforts of all the people of Hong Kong and the unfailing support from the Central government," Wong said.
"Sharing a common destiny with the people, civil servants should carry forward Hong Kong people's fine traditions of courage, industry and enterprise, and help Hong Kong overcome the current difficulties," he said.
"I am confident that my colleagues will continue to strive for excellence, be responsive to the expectations of the public and share the burden with the rest of the community," he added.
Wong also noted that the Hong Kong SAR government has, in the past few years, endeavored to help civil servants at all levels deepen their knowledge of the political, economic and social systems of the motherland through various kinds of training programs and visits.
Paul Pang, chairman of the Senior Non-Expatriate Officers Association, who is also the convener for the celebration, said in his welcoming speech that with China's successful entry into the World Trade Organization and the strategy and the development of China's West under way, "We are delighted to see that with the hard work of all the people of our country, we're keeping abreast of the global developments and entering a new era."
He proposed a toast, wishing the country and the Hong Kong SAR prosperity.
(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2002)
