Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang Yam-kuen holds a press conference after delivering his 2009-10 policy address at the Legislative Council in south China's Hong Kong, Oct. 14, 2009. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) Photo Gallery>>>

    HONG KONG, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang delivered Wednesday an annual policy address at the Legislative Council, outlining government efforts in the coming year.

    In the address titled "Breaking New Ground Together," Tsang said Hong Kong was hit hard by the global financial turmoil and the economic downturn but the Hong Kong people "have done a great job in keeping the ship afloat."

    "I am confident that, for the rest of the year, our economy will improve further and gradually recover," he said.

    Hong Kong, one of the freest economies in the world, recorded sharp declines in its GDP and external trade during the downturn. It reversed four quarters of contraction in the second quarter to record a quarter-on-quarter growth of 3.3 percent, boosted by forceful stimulus and benefiting from the strength of the mainland economy.

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang Yam-kuen delivers his 2009-10 policy address at the Legislative Council in south China's Hong Kong, Oct. 14, 2009. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Tsang said challenges remained ahead for Hong Kong to maintain its status as a global financial center and increase its competitiveness as a trade center.

    "Hong Kong must constantly enhance its competitiveness and continue to evolve into a high value-added, knowledge-based economy to maintain its leading edge over global competitors and create more quality jobs," he said.

    Tsang outlined plans to promote the innovation and knowledge- based industries, particularly the six industries recommended earlier by a task force, such as education services, medical services, testing and certification, environmental industries, innovation and technology, and cultural and creative industries.

    The innovation and knowledge-based industries also include traditional pillars such as financial services, tourism, trading and logistics, and professional services.

    "We must try every means to enhance the flow of people, goods, capital and information that are related to the four pillar industries," he said.

    In terms of the financial services industry, Tsang said the plan was to continue to develop Hong Kong as a global financial center, asset management center and offshore Renminbi business center while meeting the development needs of China.

    Hong Kong's roles as a testing ground for the gradual opening up of the Chinese financial industry and as a capital raising center will be strengthened, he said.

    Tsang also said measures were being discussed to facilitate the mainland visitor traveling to Hong Kong. He pledged to continue pressing ahead with the construction of the new cruise terminal at Kai Tak, where an airport used to be located.