Press Release - January 21, 2004

The following is Lunar New Year message (translation) from the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Tung Chee Hwa:

Fellow citizens,

This Spring Festival is particularly meaningful and delightful to the people of Hong Kong.

For good reason. After some difficult years, our economy is now experiencing a V-shaped rebound, with unemployment falling, deflation easing and the property market stabilising. CEPA has taken effect. Tourists are flocking in, boosting sales and consumer confidence. A new buoyancy is evident everywhere. May this buoyant quality remain with us throughout the new year.

More than anything else, years of hard work have laid a solid foundation for the successful economic restructuring of Hong Kong and its further development.

Nothing better depicts the current state of Hong Kong than the traditional Spring Festival couplets that we use to invoke good fortune in the year ahead: blooming with opportunities and hope, taking a turn for the better. The community has reached a consensus on our way forward. Abundant opportunities lie ahead of us. With the sustained efforts of the Government and the community at large, and with the staunch support of the Central Government, we are poised to rise above all difficulties and savour success.

This is the Year of the Monkey, and the monkey is a symbol of intelligence and vitality. We wish every member of our community a prosperous and happy new year.