Today is a day for jubilation as it marks the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

At this important moment when millions of Hong Kong people are united as one in conquering SARS and striving for economic recovery, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Central Government and the people of all ethnic groups throughout the country, our warm congratulations and good wishes to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and to our compatriots and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong.

Six years ago today, President Jiang Zemin solemnly declared here, on behalf of the Central Government, the resumption of China's exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the official establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Hong Kong always rebounds from adversity

Hong Kong, having experienced many vicissitudes of the past century, returned to the embrace of the Motherland and entered a brand new era. 

In the past six years since its return, Hong Kong has traversed an extraordinary path and withstood all kinds of tests. 

Shortly after its return, it was struck severely by the Asian financial crisis. Since the beginning of this year, it has met with the serious challenge of the scourge of SARS.

However, we are gratified that the Hong Kong SAR Government headed by Tung Chee Hwa, working together with our Hong Kong compatriots, responded calmly and with resolve and succeeded in maintaining Hong Kong's stability and development. 

Hong Kong is like a huge vessel on its journey, braving waves and riding through turbulent currents and dangerous rapids.

One country, two systems proven to work

Practice in the past six years has fully testified to the fact that the great concept of "one country, two systems" put forward by Deng Xiaoping has strong vitality, that the basic policies of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR are completely correct, and that the people of Hong Kong who are now masters of their own destiny are fully capable of administering Hong Kong well.

This is a conclusion proven by history and witnessed by the entire world.

I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate earnestly that the new Central Government will, as always, unswervingly implement the policy of "one country, two systems", act in strict accordance with the Basic Law, fully support the Chief Executive and Government of the Hong Kong SAR in their administration according to law, safeguard all the rights and freedoms the local residents enjoy under the law, and unite with people from all circles in Hong Kong in a joint effort to maintain and promote prosperity, stability and development of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong will have a brighter tomorrow

It is the shared aspiration of the Hong Kong people and an important mission of the Hong Kong SAR Government to realise the economic rejuvenation and social progress of Hong Kong.

At present, Hong Kong is facing temporary difficulties in its development caused by a combination of internal and external factors.

Difficulties of this or that sort might crop up further on the road ahead. Nevertheless, we have all the reasons to believe that Hong Kong will have a better tomorrow.

To build an even better tomorrow for Hong Kong, it is most important to adhere to the basic policies of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy and keep them unchanged for a long time to come and firmly observe the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, which ensures long-term coexistence and common development of two systems within one country.

Herein lies the political basis and institutional guarantee for Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and development.

Hong Kong will have a better tomorrow because it has competitive advantages, which will continue to play a role for a long time to come. 

Competitive advantages remain strong

Hong Kong boasts a unique geographic position, a highly liberalised open economy, a well-developed legal system and enormous outreach to the international market. 

On top of that, Hong Kong is blessed with a highly qualified civil service, a great many successful entrepreneurs and a large pool of talents in various fields. 

These advantages have enabled Hong Kong to sustain its international competitiveness. They determine Hong Kong's unique position and irreplaceable role. 

Hong Kong will have a better tomorrow because it is always ready to respond to new changes, to reform the old and introduce the new with great resourcefulness and flexibility. 

Constant adaptation keeps Hong Kong healthy

Innovation is the lifeblood of a society in progress. All social and economic systems need to adjust and improve themselves continuously. 

As a free port and cosmopolis, Hong Kong is in a good position to draw on others' strong points and absorb the best of the East and that of the West, which will provide a source of vigour and vitality for Hong Kong in this era of transformation.

Hong Kong will have a better tomorrow because the SAR Government and people of Hong Kong are brave enough to forge ahead in spite of difficulties and never surrender to adversities.

Government draws on years of experience

In the past six years of its governance, the SAR Government has accumulated valuable experience in administration and wisdom and capability to get it on top of complicated situations.

The people in Hong Kong, with their wisdom and expertise as well as their hard-working and enterprising spirit, are the driving force of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity.

In the final analysis, Hong Kong's future will be shaped by the people of Hong Kong.  What are most needed now are understanding, trust and unity, as much as confidence, courage and action. 

Hong Kong will have a better tomorrow because it can always count upon the strong backing of the great Motherland. Hong Kong's destiny has always been closely linked with that of the Motherland. 

Mainland vows unyielding support for HK

The Mainland has entered a new development phase wherein we are building an all-round well-off society, accelerating the socialist modernisation drive, pressing ahead with reform and opening-up. We have maintained sustained and rapid economic growth and social stability.

All this will provide Hong Kong with more opportunities and a broader platform for development.

The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement signed the day before yesterday is a significant step taken by the Central Government to support Hong Kong's development.

It is a vivid example of the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

For the future, the Central Government will give its full support to everything conducive to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and to the common development of Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The fundamental interests and well-being of all the Hong Kong people lie in the long-term prosperity, stability and development of Hong Kong.

I hope our compatriots in Hong Kong will cherish the hard-won position as masters of their own affairs, make efforts to fulfill the popular aspiration for social stability and seize precious opportunities for development.

I hope our compatriots in Hong Kong will, with great love for the Motherland and for Hong Kong, join hands and work in one mind to bring about the fresh take-off and a brighter future of Hong Kong.

Premier Wen Jiabao gave this address at the sixth anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 1.