HONG KONG, June 30 (Xinhua) — Visiting construction sites, mingling with construction workers, and whirlwind meetings with local officials and dignitaries made Saturday’s schedule for Chinese President Hu Jintao in Hong Kong tight and busy.

Yet the president, who is in the city for the 15th anniversary celebrations of its return to China, also enjoyed a light moment at a joyous art performance at night, after attending a welcoming dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR).

VISITING HOUSING PROJECT

Braving the rain brought by tropical storm Doksuri, Hu paid a visit to the site of Kai Tak Development (KTD) project Saturday morning, accompanied by outgoing Chief Executive Donald Tsang and other high-ranking officials.

Hu toured the Kai Tak cruise terminal under construction and viewed the models of the terminal and the Kowloon East development zone before heading to the nearby construction site of the Kai Tak public housing scheme to learn about its progress.

The 320-hectare Kai Tak Development covers the site of former Kai Tak International Airport and the adjoining hinterland districts of Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong to the north of the Hong Kong Island.

Upon completion in 2021, a cruise terminal, public rental housing, the Shatin-to-Central Link of the local railway, a multi- purpose stadium complex, a metro park and hospitals will form a new commercial, housing and leisure center of Hong Kong.

After learning about the details, Hu said the project is very significant for it will boost Hong Kong’s development and tourism, while improving the people’s livelihood and environmental protection.

Hu also praised the SAR government’s efforts to build affordable housing for about 33,000 people under the Kai Tak Development project, saying more citizens should enjoy the fruits of city development.

At the construction site, Hu mingled with some construction workers and engineers. He expressed the appreciation for their work and asked them to redouble the efforts to ensure the timeliness and quality of the project.

VOICING CONFIDENCE TO HK

Addressing the dinner held in honor of him, President Hu voiced his confidence in the capability of local people and the new government, to be inaugurated on Sunday, to build Hong Kong a better place.

What has happened in the city over the past 15 years shows that “one country, two systems” is the right policy for Hong Kong and it is a policy full of vitality, he said.

“It also shows that Hong Kong compatriots have the wisdom and capability to manage, build and develop Hong Kong well,” the president said, adding that the new SAR government will be able to unite all sectors of society and lead them to turn the city into an international metropolis with “economic prosperity, political structural democracy and social harmony.”

Calling Hong Kong “a place where miracles happen,” Hu said the spiritual strength that Hong Kong compatriots have forged over the years was behind the success of the world-renowned metropolis.

In his speech broadcast live, Hu urged some 7 million Hong Kong people to stand together in the face of difficulties, work hard with tenacity and confidence and use their wisdom and diligence to build better lives.

“They should remain daring and enterprising no matter what difficulties may come their way,” he said, urging the people to take up the due responsibility of managing, building and developing Hong Kong.

Prior to the speech, Hu held an array of meetings with local dignitaries, senior officials of Hong Kong and the mainland, extending the appreciation for their endeavors over the past five years to ensure Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity, and reiterated the central government’s backing to the city’s development.

While meeting principal officials of the SAR, members of the Executive Council, the president of the Legislative Council, and the chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Hu spoke highly of their hard work and contribution to Hong Kong’s development.

Hong Kong has managed to overcome the impact of the global financial crisis over the past five years, while preserving prosperity and stability, and all enterprises in Hong Kong have achieved remarkable progress with the strong support of the central government and the mainland, as well as the concerted efforts of the government and the general public of Hong Kong, Hu noted.

LIGHT MOMENT WITH ARTISTS

On Saturday night, the president joined hundreds of dignitaries and officials to enjoy a grand gala held at the waterfront Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The 110-minute-long “joyful night” brought pop stars and artists from Hong Kong and the mainland, including Jacky Cheung, Lang Lang and Song Zuying, to offer a feast for eyes and ears.

Some famous art troupes like the China National Acrobatic Troupe, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Hong Kong Dance Company, also gave splendid visual and acoustic performances.

The gala showcased the tremendous achievements made over the past 15 years since Hong Kong’s handover to China from Britain in 1997, and the unique beauty and glamor of the Pearl of the Orient.

The show went with a bang which culminated when masters of the show invited the president to step onto the stage. Hu sang the song Ode to the Motherland together with the performers.

With all audience standing up singing in chorus, cheering and applauding, the event was perfectly drawn to the end.

Outside, the skyscrapers and landmarks that lie on both sides of the renowned Victoria Harbor were illuminated in a vibrant light show.

Editor:Zhang Jingya |Source: Xinhua

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