Speeches and Articles by Acting Consul General Marlene Sakaue

Remarks by Acting Consul General Marlene Sakaue
U.S. Independence Day Reception

Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong
July 5, 2005

Secretary Tang, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome you this evening to mark the 229th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

To Americans, the Declaration of Independence is a signal document that defined America's coming of age. In issuing this document on July 4, 1776, an energetic, young group of thirteen colonies was seeking to distinguish itself from the traditional ways of the Old World. Many of America's enduring values and cultural traditions stem from that time period. Equality, unalienable rights, among them "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" - these are concepts that still form the core of American values today.

In the United States, we celebrate our Independence Day at the height of summer, with family and friends, as we watch parades, enjoy picnics and view fireworks. Throughout America, we look forward to our Independence Day fireworks as much as our friends in Hong Kong enjoy fireworks over Victoria Harbour.

The United States and Hong Kong have much in common. The U.S. shares Hong Kong's immigrant experience, its work ethic, and its ability to overcome adversity. Our cultural bonds and business ties are both extensive and deep.

I would like to share with you a brief quotation.

"The position occupied by … Hong Kong in the world's trade is unique and without parallel. It is a free port… it is one of the greatest shipping centers in the world, it is the distribution point for all the enormous trade of South China, and about 30% of the entire foreign commerce of China passes through" Hong Kong.

Although I could almost be referring to the situation today, this passage is from the Commercial Handbook of China, published by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1919.

America's presence in Hong Kong today reflects Hong Kong's importance as a trading partner and friend. We have here one of the largest American Chambers of Commerce in Asia. A large number of U.S. businesses have established their headquarters in Hong Kong, and many Americans have made Hong Kong their home. Academic exchanges are robust, with thousands of Hong Kong students studying at American universities. The U.S. Fulbright Program brings American academics and researchers to Hong Kong, while sending Hong Kong academics to the U.S., and we are finding ways to expand these valuable exchanges. Separately, nearly half a million Americans visit Hong Kong every year, and we are happy that over 120,000 Hong Kong travelers visit the United States.

Let me conclude by thanking you for joining our Independence Day celebration this evening in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Together, we have much to celebrate: our friendship, our ever-expanding partnership, and our shared respect for the freedoms we enjoy.

Mr. Secretary, it is my honor and pleasure to propose a toast: To the people of the People's Republic of China and the people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.