Egyptian official, oversea Chinese hail achievements after Hong Kong´s return

Source: Xinhuanet | 06-18-2007 17:28

Hong Kong's social and economic achievements in the past 10 years after its return to the motherland show that the practice of the "One Country, Two Systems" concept is a great success and China holds its commitment to the world, a senior former Egyptian official said Sunday.

Ahmed Waly, former Egyptian deputy prime minister and chairman of the Egyptian-Chinese Friendship Association, said Hong Kong enjoys the same freedom as it did before its return to the motherland and is witnessing a flourishing society.

Exchanges between people on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong are increasing and bilateral tourism is booming, contributing to their social and economic development, Waly told Xinhua in an interview.

He also expressed the belief that the success of the "One Country, Two Systems" concept in Hong Kong proved that the concept can also be applied to the settlement of the Taiwan issue.

Li Xinxin, president of the Cairo Chinese Speaking Women Association, also hailed Hong Kong's achievements after its return, adding that more and more Hong Kong people are gaining more knowledge about the Chinese mainland and are willing to invest in the Chinese mainland.

At the crucial times when the Asian financial crisis and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) hit Hong Kong, the mainland provided much help to Hong Kong, which boosted the confidence of Hong Kong residents who didn't emigrate after Hong Kong's return, Li said.

Li, who came from Hong Kong and has lived in Egypt for 18 years, said that from the first day of Hong Kong's return to the motherland on July 1, 1997, she developed a greater sense of belonging. She watched the handover ceremony at China's consulate general in the port city of Alexander in northern Egypt.

Editor:Du Xiaodan