TENS of thousands of Hong Kong people participated in a slew of celebrations across the region yesterday to mark the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

    The day began with a traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at 8 a.m. at the Golden Bauhinia Square in commercial district Wan Chai, which was attended by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, head of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong Zhang Xiaoming, former Chief Executive Tung Chee-wah and community leaders as well as foreign dignitaries.

    During the ceremony, an honor guard of police officers in white tunics took the national flag and the flag of HKSAR to the two flag poles where they were hoisted to the national anthem.

    Government Flying Service helicopters provided a simultaneous fly-past over the harbor, where fire boats turned on their hoses in celebration, sending arcs of water into the air.

    Despite the sizzling heat, hundreds of Hong Kong residents watched the ceremony.

    A following reception was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, which was attended by Leung and some 1,200 guests, including members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the consular corps and members of various community groups.

    “Notable developments have been achieved over the past year, including the official launch of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the mutual recognition of funds between the mainland and Hong Kong, and the early realization of basic liberalization of trade in services between Hong Kong and Guangdong Province,” Leung said at the reception.

    One of yesterday’s highlights is an open day at the barracks of the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison at Shek Kong and on Stonecutters Island, which is aimed at strengthening communication between the garrison and local residents.

    (Xinhua)