Hong Kong's economy is in its best shape since the Asian financial turmoil, with GDP growth last year expected to be around 7 percent and unemployment at a four-year low, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Tuesday.

He hoped the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government can build on that revival and do even better than before in the Year of the Dog.

Speaking at the Spring Reception at Government House, Tsang said the HKSAR government will make economic and livelihood issues the first priority of business over the next 17 months within his term of office.

"We will focus on further promoting economic development, sharpening our competitive edge and further improving the lives of our people," he said, adding that the priorities will be rooted in public opinion and guided by the principle of enhanced governance and promoting the welfare and interests of Hong Kong people.

It is also his hope and wish to build a more harmonious and compassionate society, and to help everyone in Hong Kong to show more love and care to one another, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2006)