Donald Tsang, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said here Sunday he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Henry Fok Ying-tung, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, in Beijing on Saturday.

"The passing away of Mr. Fok is a sad loss to the country and to Hong Kong," Tsang said. "On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr Fok's family."

Fok had worked with singular devotion on the opening up of China's economy as well as for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, Tsang said.

In the run-up to Hong Kong's return to the motherland, Fok took up a number of important positions, including member of the Basic Law Drafting Committee, advisor on Hong Kong Affairs, vice chairman of the Preliminary Working Committee for the Preparatory Committee of the HKSAR, and vice chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the HKSAR.

Fok had made notable contribution to the development of industries in Hong Kong, and he was also extensively involved in charitable and community work and the development of sports both in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Fok was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1997 by the HKSAR government.

"We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his invaluable contribution" to Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the chief executive said. "He will be dearly missed by his family and friends."

Source: Xinhua