This pledge is being upheld as the Special Administrative Region marks the 10th anniversary of its return to the motherland.
Today, more Chinese mainland residents are playing the Hong Kong stock markets, attending its horse races and visiting Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong's top entertainment center.
For over a century, horseracing has thrilled Hong Kong people. Race days are held on most Wednesdays and weekends from September to June.
During the season, many can be seen burying their heads in newspapers at teahouses studying the form of horses.
"After Hong Kong's return, horse racing has not only been retained, but has grown with the support of the central government and Hong Kong people," said Kim K.W. Mak, executive director of the corporate development department of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Mak said the jockey club is now striving to provide its best facilities for the coming 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It will host the equestrian events.
The club manages two racecourses - Happy Valley and Sha Tin - attracting more than 2 million racegoers each racing season.
The club's betting turnover, exceeds HK$16.3 billion every fiscal year. It contributes 1.3 percent to GDP, and 10 percent of the government's tax revenue.
It is also one of the 10 biggest employers in Hong Kong, employing more than 5,000 full-time workers and 20,000 part-time staff on race days.
As the largest charity organization in Hong Kong, the club was a major donor to the anti-SARS campaign in the spring of 2003.
Today, the people of Hong Kong enjoy stability in every
aspect of their lives.
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