Reform platform: Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Hong Kong will enhance its role in the reform and opening-up of the Mainland.

Hong Kong will continue to play a pivotal role in the reform and opening-up of the Mainland, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, adding this irreplaceable role will be further enhanced in the years to come.

Mr Tsang was speaking at the National Day reception celebrating of the 59th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China today.

He said as a global financial centre and services hub Hong Kong not only provides capital and human resources, but also a platform for the country to engage with the world.

"Hong Kong has undoubtedly enjoyed a wide range of benefits from the Mainland's policies and its rapid economic growth," Mr Tsang said, citing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge's financial arrangement consensus, a memorandum of understanding on energy co-operation and Supplement V to CEPA.

He noted the city must seize every opportunity to extend co-operation with the Mainland to meet the challenges of global economic integration.

"From the earthquake in Wenchuan, to the staging of the Olympic Games in Beijing and the successful launch and return of Shenzhou-7, the Chinese nation has once again showed the world our tenacity and perseverance. I am sure that having been through these trials and tests, we have emerged even stronger to face the challenges ahead, and to make greater contributions to our country's future. As we face the financial crisis, such tenacity and perseverance are particularly meaningful to us," Mr Tsang said.