On the road: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa departs Hong Kong to attend National Day celebrations in Beijing.

The Central Government's invitation to 200 Hong Kong people to attend National Day celebrations in Beijing shows how much it values Hong Kong, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa says.

Mr Tung is leading a delegation of more than 200 representatives from various sectors to Beijing to attend the 55th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Speaking before their departure today, Mr Tung said the delegation is the largest ever with participants from different sectors of the community.

He said he is glad to represent Hong Kong, sending the city's best wishes to the Central authorities and Mainland people.

In Beijing, the delegation will meet state leaders before attending a reception and a cultural performance tonight.