The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will have a brighter tomorrow if the local community remains united to overcome difficulties and challenges, President Hu Jintao said on Saturday.

The "One Country, Two Systems" concept has contributed to Hong Kong's great success that has impressed the world, he told a gathering of community leaders on the second of his three-day visit to the city.

At a welcoming banquet hosted by the HKSAR government, the president advised the people of Hong Kong to carry forward their fine qualities of solidarity, enterprise and creativity.

Hong Kong is a place full of miracles but the road ahead is full of challenges at both the international and regional levels, he said.

"But, no matter how painstaking the road is, (the people of Hong Kong) should have no fear and strive to move forward," said the president.

Hong Kong has experienced many trials and tribulations over the past 15 years, and its achievements have not come easily, Hu said. The city, one of the established global financial hubs, withstood spreading financial crises in Asia and around the world, and still stands as the one of the world's top shipping, finance and trade centers.

Hu urged the city to keep innovating and adapting to changes in a flexible way.

"Hong Kong should follow closely the changes in the external environment, go along with the trend of economic globalization and the global adjustment of industrial structure, seize opportunities and respond accordingly," Hu said.

Hu also asked Hong Kong to make good use of the two markets and resources of both the mainland and the world, and strengthen Hong Kong's existing advantages.

Hu also reminded the city to carry forward the spirit of standing together in the face of difficulties.

"Hong Kong compatriots should always put the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong first, love their common home and work in unity to tackle challenges," Hu said, adding that there should be more cooperation, consultation and inclusiveness.

Stressing that Hong Kong has the strong support of the central government, the firm backing of the mainland and the good foundation that has been built over the past 15 years, Hu said Leung Chun-ying, the new chief executive, and the new SAR government will unite all sectors of society to turn Hong Kong into an international metropolis with economic prosperity, political structural democracy and social harmony, as well as closer links with the mainland and more extensive connections with the world.

In a separate meeting, Hu also met with Executive and Legislative council members, senior government and judiciary officials, as well as representatives of central government agencies based in the HKSAR.

Earlier in the morning, despite the adverse weather brought by tropical storm Doksuri, Hu and members of his entourage toured the mega Kai Tak cruise terminal on the site of Hong Kong's old international airport.

The president, accompanied by State Councilor Liu Yandong, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and incoming Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, spent about half an hour inspecting the 320-hectare project which, on completion, would offer an array of housing, business, community, tourism and community facilities.

At the new Cruise Terminal Building, due to be completed by mid-2013, Hu was briefed on development plans for Kai Tak and East Kowloon by Secretary for Development and incoming Chief Secretary for Administration, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Gregory So Kam-leung.

The president said the project is especially meaningful because it has taken into account Hong Kong's economic development needs.

"This project is one of Hong Kong's 10 key infrastructure projects planned, fulfilling the city's economic development needs, improving the people's living standards while incorporating environmental protection principles. I'm pleased with it," Hu said.

The president also chatted with workers at the site and shook hands with them, reminding them of the importance of building safety while maintaining the progress and quality of the work.

"I'm very happy to meet President Hu, who came despite the heavy rain," said So Tim-hung, an assistant project construction manager, who was among 10 workers who shook hands with the president.

Hu said he would like to visit various other places to better understand the HKSAR's progress and development, saying he's impressed by the city's massive development and would like to hear more of the people's voices.

The president's next stop was Kai Ching Estate - a public-housing project being built at Kai Tak - where Hu was given a first-hand briefing on housing policies by Secretary for Transport and Housing, Eva Cheng Yu-wah.

The president was shown two flats that have yet to be occupied, and talked to workers and technical staff.

The highlight of the president's visit will be on Sunday morning when Hu presides over the inauguration of Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying and his new cabinet.

Meanwhile, the inclement weather failed to dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of Hong Kong people in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the return.

Locals turned out on Saturday to celebrate Hong Kong's return anniversary. [Photo by Feng Yongbin / China Daily]

Parks and public squares were bathed in banners and bunting for a weekend that includes carnivals, exhibitions and a fireworks display on Sunday evening.

At Chater Garden in Central, about 2,000 people, many wearing ponchos, braved the rain on Saturday for a carnival that included a marching band with more than 500 performers beating traditional Chinese drums as well as lion dances.

"The storm is just a small problem," said Chow Kwok-fai, one of the carnival's organizers. "I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I hope Hong Kong will have a bright future," he said.

At the Hong Kong Museum of Art, an exhibition featuring 77 sets of paintings and calligraphy, furniture, murals and religious art was held in conjunction with Beijing's Palace Museum.

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