Fireworks shine over Victoria Harbor again after 5 years! Li Ka-chiu: Symbolizing Hong Kong’s overcoming difficulties and moving forward
After five years, fireworks once again lit up the sky over Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong. To celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong held a National Day fireworks display on October 1. The theme of this performance is "Fuxing Businesses Celebrate the National Day, and the Bright City Gathers to Shine the Hong Kong River". It lasted about 23 minutes and was divided into 8 acts. 31,888 fireworks bombs were distributed by 3 barges and 6 pontoons.
The Chief Executive of the SAR, Mr Lee Ka-chiu, said in his speech that watching fireworks on both sides of Victoria Harbor has been a holiday celebration for many Hong Kong residents since childhood. Every time I see fireworks blooming over Victoria Harbor, I feel excited. The fireworks symbolize that Hong Kong has overcome the difficulties and is moving forward to return to normalcy and stride towards a better future.
Earlier on October 1, the National Day reception was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. In his speech, Li Jiachao pointed out that Hong Kong is at a critical moment of transition from governance to prosperity. We must cherish opportunities, seek development, strive for economy, and strive for competitiveness.
Li Jiachao said that 2023 has multiple meanings for Hong Kong. First of all, it is the 10th anniversary of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative. As a functional platform and important node for the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", Hong Kong, with the support of the state and relying on Hong Kong's unique advantages, not only invests and finances international projects, but also invests in offshore RMB It plays a mutually beneficial and win-win role in business, professional service support, economic and trade and cultural exchanges.
This year is also the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. Over the past two decades, the total value of trade in goods between the Mainland and Hong Kong has more than tripled, exceeding HK$4.6 trillion last year. CEPA has also strengthened Hong Kong’s relationship with the sea. The attractiveness of domestic and foreign investment. Foreign investors have established investment headquarters and offices in Hong Kong, which has increased by two-thirds in the past 20 years.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the listing of the first H-share. Today, there are a total of 1,430 H-share companies listed in Hong Kong, accounting for approximately 55% of the total number of listed companies in Hong Kong. In terms of total market value, mainland companies account for 80% of the total market value of Hong Kong stocks. Since 1993, the total number of listed companies in Hong Kong has increased from more than 700 to more than 2,600.
"These figures clearly reflect the opportunities and results that national development has brought to Hong Kong." Li Jiachao said that on the way forward, Hong Kong must continue to make full use of the advantages of relying on the motherland and connecting the world under "one country, two systems", proactively and actively integrate into the overall development of the country, and connect with the "14th Five-Year Plan". The Five-Year Plan, the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the “One Belt, One Road” initiative will enhance international competitiveness, promote economic development, and improve people’s livelihood and well-being.
During the National Day holiday, Hong Kong and Macao held fireworks displays, concerts, lantern parades, food festivals and other activities to attract tourists. In addition, many Hong Kong and Macao residents used the holidays to travel to the mainland, and the ports between Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland ushered in a peak of "two-way passenger flow". According to the Zhuhai General Border Inspection Station, the average daily customs clearance passenger flow at the Zhuhai Port during the Golden Week is expected to reach 560,000. Parent-child travel and three-generation family travel have become the main customer groups during this Golden Week.
Cui Dingbang, director-general of the Hong Kong Tourism Promotion Association, said on October 1 that the situation of mainland tourist groups visiting Hong Kong during this year’s National Day Golden Week is similar to the situation before the epidemic. In the past two days, an average of 120,000 to 140,000 mainland tourists visited Hong Kong every day.
Cui Dingbang said that in the past, tour groups mainly went to theme parks, but now young tourists are more interested in Hong Kong’s authentic culture and in-depth experiences. In addition, since they have not come to Hong Kong in the past three years, mainland tourists have changed from the previous “eating, shopping, entertainment” and crazy shopping. In order to pursue cultural experiences, this year’s inbound tour groups will arrange for tourists to take trams and visit local attractions such as North Point Market.
