Kung hei fat choi!: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and his wife Betty wish this youngster a prosperous and happy Year of the Monkey.

With the sustained efforts of the Government and community, and the staunch support of the Central Government, we are poised to rise above all difficulties and savour success, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa says.

Delivering his Lunar New Year message today, Mr Tung and his wife Betty wished everyone a prosperous and happy Year of the Monkey.

He said this Spring Festival is particularly meaningful and delightful to Hong Kong people.

"After some difficult years, our economy is now experiencing a V-shaped rebound, with unemployment falling, deflation easing and the property market stabilising," Mr Tung said.

"CEPA has taken effect. Tourists are flocking in, boosting sales and consumer confidence. A new buoyancy is evident everywhere. May this buoyant quality remain with us throughout the new year."

Years of hard work have laid a solid foundation for the successful economic restructuring of Hong Kong and its further development.

"Nothing better depicts the current state of Hong Kong than the traditional Spring Festival couplets that we use to invoke good fortune in the year ahead: blooming with opportunities and hope, taking a turn for the better," he said.

"The community has reached a consensus on our way forward. Abundant opportunities lie ahead of us."