HONG KONG - During the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, Donald Tsang, the outgoing chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR), will leave the post which he has serviced for seven years.

Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong, gives a TV address in the file photo taken on Dec 12, 2007. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wearing his trademark bowtie, this witness of history reviewed the city's progress and changes in the past 15 years in Cantonese- accent Mandarin when interviewed by Xinhua.

Past experiences have proved the principle of "one country, two systems" a unprecedented success, and "I profoundly believe in its better future," Tsang said.

Achievement of "Hong Kong Dream"

When he took office in 2005, Tsang created the vision of "Hong Kong Dream", vowing to establish Hong Kong as "city of opportunity " and " locus amoenus", Latin for "pleasant place".

Looking back, Tsang was glad to see that achievements made in the past 15 years were significant. The size of Hong Kong's economy expanded by 55 percent in real terms from 1997-2011, while the number of jobs increased by 500,000, and the employed population reached a record high of 3.64 million.

"We nearly create a full-employment society," he said.

Excited about the international recognition for Hong Kong's economic status, Tsang also listed a number of "top" and "highest" stories about this international metropolis, including the city's credit rating upgraded to "AAA", making it one of the two Asian economies with such a highest rating.

In the past two or three years, funds raised through initial public offerings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange were the highest in the world. Meanwhile, the city also overtook the US and the UK for the first time to be the top spot of Financial Development Index, which was released by the World Economic Forum by the end of 2011.

It meant Hong Kong has become "the most developed" financial market in the world, Tsang said.

Besides, People's livelihood issues were highlighted in Tsang's platform. Public expenditure registered an accumulated growth of 55 percent, demonstrating the government's commitment to sharing the fruits of economic prosperity with the people and improving their living standards.

"We have also set the timetable for universal suffrage and taken the two elections in 2012 closer to this ultimate goal by adopting methods that are more open and contain greater democratic elements," Tsang said.

"Even though Hong Kong is still facing challenges, we have surly made considerable progress," Tsang said.

Motherland back up

Asian financial crisis, SARS epidemics, worldwide credit crunch. ..the memories of Hong Kong's difficult moments was still fresh in Tsang's mind. He said gratefully that Hong Kong struggled through these periods with strong support from the mainland.

In 2003, the central government and Hong Kong signed the " Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement" ( CEPA ), which reduces or eliminates barriers of economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.

Under CEPA, Individual Visit Scheme for Mainland residents has brought tens of millions visitors to Hong Kong since 2003, which gradually became the strongest driving force to promote local tourism.

The Scheme has lifted the level of Hong Kong's consumer market to a "very high" elevation, Tsang told Xinhua.

China's 12th Five-Year Plan started in 2011, with a chapter emphasizing the central authorities' support for Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's competitive advantages.

According to the plan, the country will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international financial, trade and shipping center, and support for Hong Kong's development into an offshore renminbi business center and an international asset management center.

"The dedicated chapter elaborates on the significant functions and positioning of Hong Kong in the development strategy of the country, and it is extremely encouraging for us," Tsang said.

As for the offshore renminbi center, Tsang said it was a " pleasant surprise" and a "special achievement". According to him, Hong Kong has benefited from the renminbi clearing since more than 90 percent offshore renminbi transactions of the country are dealt via Hong Kong.

Tsang also emphasized that Hong Kong, as an international financial and shipping center, plays an irreplaceable role in the country's economic construction and social stability.

The implementing of "one country two systems" also brought mutually beneficial and win-win pattern formation, he added.

While facing the world, Hong Kong is also backed up by the motherland. "These are the biggest advantages and the key to remaining its international competitiveness", Tsang said.

Belief in Hong Kong people

In his last annual Policy Address published on October 12, 2011, Tsang said the Hong Kong people "worked hard through the years and, without realizing it, created a unique city with its own character. "

"They cherish freedom, respect the rule of law, and treasure equality, justice, integrity, pluralism and inclusiveness. These are the core values of Hong Kong."

In Tsang's eyes, Hong Kong people have rational and accommodating attitude, and in their ability to set aside differences and strive for consensus in the face of challenges.

"Although experiencing some setbacks after reunification, we have managed to get back on our feet every time," he said.  

Throughout his years in public service, Tsang had always firmly believed in people and core values of Hong Kong, and this belief was always his ruling idea and administration principle, which were "never wavered".

Tsang also emphasized Hong Kong people's patriotic feelings. " You can see how the feelings increased when they give enthusiastic help to quake's victims in Sichuan or Qinghai provinces," he said.

As to few friction between Hong Kong and the mainland, Tsang said Hong Kong is separated with motherland for almost one century, there must be some differences between them. "I believe Hong Kong people are rational, inclusive and respect for mainland culture."

Tsang will retire from the HKSAR after a civil-service professional career spanning more than four decades on July 1th, 2012. When invited to deliver a self-assessment, he said it's a " difficult and dangerous risk", which is best left for history and public. "In any case, my greatest glory lies in servicing Hong Kong."

Looking forward for the future of Hong Kong, Tsang said, with a smile, that he is "with full confidence and pride".

With the support of country and concerted efforts of Hong Kong people, Hong Kong will seize every opportunity to solidify self advantages continuously, and continue making unique contributions to our country, Tsang said.

Special coverage: Hong Kong 15th anniversary