ENG-2004 — Page 16

ii Calendar of Events in 2004

March

4

10

18

The Chief Executive arrives in Beijing for a four-day visit. He attends the opening ceremony of the second session of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC), and meets President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to brief them on the latest developments in Hong Kong.

In his Budget Speech, the Financial Secretary foresees a more deeply seated and broadly based recovery in 2004, with Gross Domestic Product forecast to grow by six per cent in real terms.

The 32-strong Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council holds its first meeting to discuss the 2004 business plan.

April

15

19

26

27

28

30

The Chief Executive submits a report to the Standing Committee of the NPC requesting it to determine whether the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008 may be amended.

The Government launches the $6 billion securitisation of revenues from toll tunnels and bridges. It is the largest securitisation bond offer ever in Hong Kong; the first offered to retail investors; and among the largest in the region.

The Chief Executive announces the decision by the Standing Committee of the NPC on issues relating to Hong Kong's constitutional development. According to the decision, the method of universal suffrage shall not be introduced for the election of the Chief Executive in 2007 nor that of the Legislative Council in 2008. Specific methods for the two elections could be appropriately modified, consistent with the principle of gradual and orderly progress and in accordance with the Basic Law.

A new Hong Kong tourist attraction the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui is opened by the Financial Secretary.

The Government announces the membership of the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee, which is tasked to advise the Administration on planning, land use and development along the existing and new harbour-front of the Victoria Harbour.

The Chief Executive attends a ceremony at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base to welcome the visiting task group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The task group comprises eight vessels including two guided missile destroyers, four guided missile frigates and two submarines.