[Explanation] On October 1, the Hong Kong SAR government held a flag-raising ceremony and a National Day reception to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Li Jiachao, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said in his speech at the reception that he was very pleased to attend the National Day reception held by the SAR government for the first time as the sixth Chief Executive to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
He pointed out that we have witnessed the development of the country getting better year by year, and the people's life getting richer year by year.
Facts have proved that the Chinese people, with determination and will, wisdom and strength, have opened up a path for China to become prosperous and strong, and have created great achievements of rapid economic development and long-term stability and prosperity of the country.
[Concurrent] Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Li Jiachao
In recent years, the country's overall strength has reached a new level. The country's economic aggregate exceeded 114 trillion yuan last year (2021), accounting for more than 18% of the world economy.
From the previous year (2020), the country has become the world's largest trading nation.
The renminbi jumped to the fourth global payment currency last year (2021).
In terms of infrastructure and technology, the total mileage of the national comprehensive transportation network has exceeded 6 million kilometers, and the world's largest 5G mobile communication network has been built.
At this moment, the space station complex of the National Manned Space Project is soaring in the sky 400 kilometers away from the earth.
We are all very proud of being Chinese.
[Commentary] Li Jiachao said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. In the past quarter of a century, Hong Kong has made remarkable achievements.
Although we have experienced different challenges and tests, we can always turn crises into opportunities, and strong ones can become strong. The main reason is that "one country, two systems" provides the best institutional guarantee for Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
Whether Hong Kong is exploring opportunities or resisting shocks, at every critical moment, Hong Kong always has the strong backing of the motherland.
[Concurrent] Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Li Jiachao
In the past two years, the central government has promulgated and implemented the Hong Kong National Security Law, improved the SAR election system, and implemented "patriots ruling Hong Kong", turning Hong Kong from chaos to rule.
At the beginning of this year, Hong Kong was faced with a severe epidemic. The central government fully supported Hong Kong to fight the epidemic. Mainland experts and medical teams rushed to Hong Kong to deliver supplies by railway and waterway, and even built a makeshift hospital on the seventh day to bring the epidemic under control. The affectionate Chinese speed and national concern are vividly remembered by every Hong Konger and will never be forgotten.
This year we (feel) great joy and encouragement, of course, is President Xi Jinping's visit to Hong Kong to attend the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth SAR government and deliver an important speech.
President Xi's important speech on July 1 has become the policy blueprint of the SAR government. I will lead my team to do everything possible to implement the wishes and requirements of the chairman, and live up to the trust.
[Commentary] Li Jiachao said that the new crown epidemic for nearly three consecutive years has still plagued Hong Kong. On the way to fight the epidemic, the SAR government will not lie flat and will continue to work hard to control the epidemic. Under the condition of controllable risks, it will maintain people's livelihood activities and try its best to let the society To have the greatest economic vitality, maintain Hong Kong's international competitiveness, and enhance development momentum.
Li Jiachao pointed out that Hong Kong is at a critical period from governance to prosperity, and he is full of confidence in Hong Kong's prospects.
[Concurrent] Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Li Jiachao
Because Hong Kong has the unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connecting the world, it is irreplaceable.
Hong Kong is a free, open and business-friendly international metropolis, the freest economy in the world, an international financial, trade, and shipping center, the largest international asset management center in Asia, and the largest offshore RMB center in the world. Air cargo volume, it is the only city in Asia with five top 100 universities in the world, Hong Kong has a world-class business environment, low tax rate, simple tax system, located in the heart of Asia, free flow of information, developed infrastructure, high education level, working population Being productive and resilient, Hong Kong has countless advantages, each of which is our confidence and our competitiveness.
[Commentary] Li Jiachao said that the preparations for his policy address have entered the final stage. He and his team must not forget their original aspirations, keep in mind the citizens, and seek happiness for the citizens and development for Hong Kong.
Together with the participants, he wished the motherland a prosperous and prosperous country and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Representatives of central agencies in Hong Kong, officials of the Hong Kong SAR government and people from all walks of life attended the flag-raising ceremony and the National Day reception that day.
Reporter Fan Siyi and Luo Siyu report from Hong Kong
Responsible editor: [He Sanli]