Hong Kong has an even more important role to play in the nation's development, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang said Sunday (Oct 1st).

"To this end, we held the Economic Summit on the 11th Five-Year Plan to map out strategies for the way forward. We will never forget the strong support the Central Government has given us, " said Tsang at the government reception celebrating the 57th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Tsang said that in the early years of the 21st century, the world has seen the rapid development of China. With an indomitable spirit and amazing resilience, the Chinese people have overcome myriad hurdles and challenges over the centuries to rise to prosperity.

He promised that the SAR government will make every effort to improve the infrastructure in financial services, logistics, trade and tourism to bring a better life to Hong Kong people and contribute more to the country.

He also gave best wishes to all China's athletes.

"I wish they could all give full play to their strength and skills in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, so as to present to the world a young, vigorous and energetic China," he said.

Government officials, celebrities and guests from all walks of life in Hong Kong, including Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR Gao Siren, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Lu Xinhua and Commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison Troops in Hong Kong Wang Jitang, attended the reception.

Earlier in the morning, thousands of Hong Kong residents and visitors gathered at the Golden Bauhinia Square for the flag raising ceremony marking China's National Day.

Editor: Donald