Mr President,

A. Introduction

1.      In my 2007 manifesto, I envisioned generating economic development through infrastructural development.  At the same time, we must balance development needs with environmental protection and conservation to create a better living environment.  Hong Kong people supported my election platform.  Soon after my re-election, I pushed ahead with 10 major infrastructure projects to usher in a new stage of economic development for Hong Kong.

2.      To sustain economic growth, we must seize opportunities and rise to challenges.  During my term, I have had to deal with two major issues.  The first was to leverage the National 11th and 12th Five-Year Plans to develop Hong Kong into the global financial centre of our country and to facilitate entry to the Mainland market for our industrial, commercial and professional sectors.

3.      The second was to respond to the global financial tsunami in 2008. I appealed to the people to stand united in meeting the challenges facing our economy. While stabilising the financial system, supporting enterprises and preserving employment, we also seized the opportunity to diversify our economy by promoting the development of six industries where Hong Kong enjoys clear advantages.

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