(VOVworld) – Chinese President Hu Jintao today attended a gathering to mark the 15^th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 after more than 150 years under the British colony. At the ceremony, Hu said that over the past 15 years, with the principles of “one country, two systems, Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong”, Hong Kong residents have enjoyed the range of democratic rights and freedoms that they had never done before. Hu added Hong Kong has registered steady economic growth and remained an international financial, trade and shipping center despite the impact of the international financial crisis. He said Hong Kong has been considered as the most free and open economy and one of the most competitive and dynamic regions of the world. He expressed his hope that in the next 5 years Hong Kong will make every effort to harmonize society and increase its competitiveness.