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Hong Kong Special Administrative Region |
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On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong returned to the embrace of the motherland after 150 years of British colonial rule and entered into a new historical era of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong governed by the Hong Kong people with a high degree of autonomy." Over the six years since the handover, the policies of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong governed by the Hong Kong people with a high degree of autonomy" have been fully implemented in the region. Hong Kong people enjoy all basic rights and their freedoms have been fully guaranteed by law. The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) administrates Hong Kong in the light of the HKSAR Basic Law, sternly fulfills its pledges to the international community and actively participates in international cooperation. Hong Kong still maintains the characteristics of a free port and its status as a center of international trade, finance and shipping. It is regarded as one of the most dynamic regions in Asia and the world. In 2003, Hong Kong's GDP increased 3.3 percent over the previous year. The practices in Hong Kong since its return have fully testified to the fact that the policy of "one country, two systems" is completely correct and has strong vitality, that the HKSAR Basic Law conforms to the reality of the region and is an important guarantee of its prosperity and stability, and that the people of Hong Kong are fully capable of administering Hong Kong well. Chief Executive of the HKSAR The HKSAR Basic Law stipulates that the chief executive is the head of the HKSAR and represents the region. The chief executive shall/should be selected by election or through consultations held locally and be appointed by the Central People's Government. On March 12, 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao signed Decree No.433 of the State Council to approve Tung Chee-hwa's resignation as HKSAR chief executive and Tung left the very day. Wen, on behalf of the Central Government, fully acknowledged and spoke highly of Tung's contribution to the development of HKSAR. Tung was elected by the Hong Kong people and approved by the State Council as first HKSAR chief executive in December 1996 and was reelected in March 2002. He contributed significantly to implementing the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Shortly before the approval of his resignation, Tung was elected vice chairman of China's top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), at the Third Session of the 10th CPPCC National Committee. On March 12, the HKSAR Government received Decree No.443 of the State Council to approve Tung's resignation.In line with the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the territory's mini-constitution, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang took over as acting chief executive, pending the election of a new chief executive within six months. The election of the next chief executive will be held on July 10 in accordance with the Basic Law. The new chief executive will only serve out the remaining term of office of the previous chief executive, rather than a full five-year term. The third chief executive will be elected in 2007 in accordance with the electoral process prevailing at the time. Executive Council The executive council of the HKSAR, composed of 14 principal officials of the executive authorities and members of the Legislative Council and five public figures, is an organ for assisting the chief executive in policy-making. The executive council is presided over by the chief executive every week. The chief executive shall consult the executive council before making important policy decisions, introducing bills to the legislative council, making subordinate legislation, or dissolving the legislative council. Rapid Growth of the Hong Kong Economy Hong Kong reported 8.1 percent GDP growth in real terms in 2004--the highest in four years and well above the 20-year average of 4.8 percent--with per-capita GDP growth growing by 6.9 percent. Of the different components of this GDP, private consumption expenditure (PCE) registered an increase of 5.7 percent in real terms in the last quarter of 2004, slightly higher than the 5 percent in the third quarter. For the whole year, PCE increased 6.7 percent. Hong Kong Residents Affected by the Tsunami Disaster According to the HKSAR Government, the death toll of Hong Kong residents in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 had grown to 18 by March 11, 2005. Meanwhile, 22 Hong Kong residents remain missing, all in Thailand. The HKSAR Government pledged to continue following up these cases and provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents and their families where necessary, said a spokesman. According to him, Hong Kong police have already voluntarily contacted the relatives of missing Hong Kong residents to collect DNA samples for analysis. The analyzed DNA information as well as finger print records have been sent to the Thai authorities through appropriate channels for identification purposes. |
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