Next year, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 140th anniversary. When it was founded in May 1861, the Chamber had 62 subscribers. None of the founding members could have imagined that Hong Kong would grow to become the economic powerhouse which it is today, and no one could have predicted the services provided, and influence exerted, by the Chamber today. There is no doubt that the Chamber's progress is tied intimately to Hong Kong's development. Through the contributions of all the chairmen, all the directors, and all the members during these 140 years, the Chamber has evolved to its present state. We are all proud of Hong Kong's achievements, and the Chamber's progress in this long history.

To help us celebrate this anniversary in 2001, the Chamber is planning a series of events year-round for its members. First, we will have the 140th Anniversary Distinguished Speaker Series featuring five or six political or business leaders all through the year speaking at Chamber luncheons. Invitations have been issued to notable figures in Hong Kong, in mainland China, and all around the world, and acceptances are already coming in. The first such luncheon will be in February 2001. The dates will be gradually confirmed.

Then we will have the 140th Anniversary Grand Ball on Friday, April 20. This black-tie dinner will be held in the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel and is designed to be an enjoyable celebration of the anniversary. We will feature light entertainment, some brief remarks by a guest of honour, images of the Chamber's and Hong Kong's history, dancing, and a lucky draw. The whole evening will be serious in that we treasure our heritage, but fun in that we want members and guests to have a relaxed evening. You and your spouse/guest should mark down April 20, 2001, to come celebrate with us.