Speech by DCS at Celebrate Singapore’s 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner (English just)(with images)
******************************************************************************************
Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Celebrate Singapore’s 60th Anniversary (SG60) Gala Dinner arranged by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) tonight (August 1):
Honourable Consul General Ong Siew Gay (Consul General of Singapore in Hong Kong), Chairman Lawrence Chia (Chairman, Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong)), differentiated visitors, girls and gentlemen,
Excellent night. I’m honoured to be here at the SG60 Gala Dinner arranged by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the self-reliance of the Republic of Singapore.
This year likewise marks the 35th anniversary of the facility of diplomatic relations in between Singapore and China. This turning point offers another significance and significance to this year’s event.
Simply 2 days back, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government participated in Singapore’s 60th National Day Reception and highlighted the deep and enduring ties that bind our 2 economies, our 2 cultures and individuals.
Hong Kong and Singapore have actually long taken pleasure in close and cordial bilateral trade and financial relations. To keep in mind, Singapore is Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner and our biggest ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) partner in product trade, in addition to the fifth-largest location of our external financial investment. The truth that the Chief Executive led a top-level service delegation to Singapore 2 years ago highlights the significance we put on reinforcing our collaboration with Singapore.
Hong Kong is eager to contribute more to local combination through our early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We are motivated by the beneficial reactions we have actually gotten from RCEP members, and we are grateful to Singapore for providing assistance to our official accession demand.
I eagerly anticipate far more partnership in between Hong Kong and Singapore down the roadway. Under the excellent principle of “one country, two systems”Hong Kong, being a Special Administrative Region of China, take advantage of nationwide programs such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. At the very same time, Hong Kong has actually been accorded the position of the “eight centres” in the National 14th Five-year Plan, which has actually opened an entire host of brand-new chances for numerous markets in Hong Kong, varying from financing, I&T, trade, air travel, logistics to arts and cultures. These chances are not just for Hong Kong, however are likewise open up to abroad business – including naturally Singapore business – which can utilize Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in between Mainland China and the rest of the world.
Singapore and Hong Kong bear a great deal of similarity. We are geographically little, and our population is not huge. What’s more is that our individuals are hardworking and have typically excellent entrepreneurial spirit and a worldwide point of view. And we are good-natured and friendly individuals. I believe the relationship in between Singapore and Hong Kong will grow more powerful and more powerful, for us to shine together, today and tomorrow.
Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to seize the day to bid goodbye, when again, to Consul-General Ong Siew Gay, who will be going back to Singapore next week. Siew Gay, you have actually been such a dear pal and partner, not just to the Hong Kong SAR Government however likewise to the entire Hong Kong neighborhood. Thank you for your tremendous contribution, and we want you the very best in your brand-new journey.
Tonight, with supper, red wine, dancing and home entertainment, along with a charity auction and fortunate draw, and even a dinner of Singaporean hawker fare, this will undoubtedly be a night to keep in mind.
Delight in the celebration. Finest desires to Singapore and Singaporeans in Hong Kong! Thank you quite.