Looking back: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa tours exhibits at a display commemorating the 100th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's birth.

The One Country, Two Systems principal has kept Hong Kong politically and socially stable, and with the country's staunch support, the city has risen to many and unprecedented challenges.

This was the message tonight from Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa at the opening ceremony of an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's birth.

Mr Tung said since the Handover, Mr Deng's One Country, Two Systems concept has been fully brought to everyday reality in the common interest of Hong Kong and the country.

The father of modern China

He said, as a great leader, Mr Deng is renowned for his significant contributions in pushing forward the revolutionary movement in China and the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"He mapped out strategies for the reform and opening-up of China, so improving the livelihood of the people and raising the combined strength of the country and its international status," Mr Tung said.

He also contributed to the re-unification process and the revival of the Chinese nation, while playing a vital part in promoting world peace and development.

He said the essence of Mr Deng's theories is fully reflected in One Country, Two Systems, a policy adopted for Hong Kong's re-unification.

"Since its return to China, Hong Kong has, as always, helped boost China's modernisation process. Our position as an international financial centre, an information hub, a trading as well as a services centre has placed Hong Kong in an irreplaceable position to promote the development of the country," he said.

"We have taken active measures to alleviate the pain brought by economic downturn and restructuring, and more importantly, to lay a solid foundation for our long-term economic growth to sustain. We have every confidence that given our stable and robust developments, Hong Kong will definitely contribute further to the revival of the nation."

Deng commemorative seminar to be organised

The Home Affairs Bureau will hold a seminar on August 30 discussing Mr Deng's life and thoughts. Four speakers, Gordon Wu, Shiu Sin-por, Alan Hoo and Professor Albert Chen will explore the conceptualisation and implementation of One Country, Two Systems and inspiration to present-day Hong Kong.

A short documentary on Mr Deng's life will also be shown and there be a question-and-answer session. Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho will attend and speak at the seminar which starts at 7.30pm at the Cultural Centre.