Festive blessing: Chief Executive Donald Tsang and his wife Selina wish Hong Kong people a joyous and prosperous Year of the Ox.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says Hong Kong people are no strangers to adversity, adding no challenge will be too great for the city to overcome. He wishes Hong Kong people a joyous and prosperous Year of the Ox.

Delivering the Lunar New Year message today, he said amid the current global financial turmoil, people may rein in their spending. Yet, Hong Kong people are used to thriving on challenges.

"My wife and I enjoy doing Spring Festival shopping. I am glad to see that the retail market is doing better than expected, and I am happy to see people going home with bags full of goodies.

"Lunar New Year is a time to reaffirm our love and affection for family members and friends," he said. 

"I believe that if we pull together as a community, no challenge will be too big for Hong Kong."