Hongkong Post issued Sunday special stamps to mark the centenary of the birth of Deng Xiaoping. 

Postmaster General Allan Chiang told the stamp issuing ceremony that Hongkong Post, China Post and Macao Post would each issue a set of two special stamps and a stamp sheetlet to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Deng Xiaoping.

A souvenir pack containing the special stamps and stamp sheetlets was issued by the three postal administrations Sunday.

Chiang said "today marks the centennial birthday of Deng Xiaoping, one of our nation's greatest political leaders. Commemorative activities have been organized in all parts of China, including Hong Kong and Macao. We think it is only fitting to remember this towering figure, who has given our nation and Hong Kong people an inspiring vision of our place in the world and affected our lives in ways big and small by issuing a set of commemorative stamps."

He said Deng Xiaoping has done a great deal for modern China. Deng Xiaoping's principle of "One Country, Two Systems", and the Basic Law drafted under his guidance laid down a solid foundation upon which Hong Kong continues to prosper and to achieve long-term stability.

He added that Hong Kong people have developed a great respect for this giant of our times and we have a lot to thank him for. Today is the perfect day for us to honor and cherish the memory of him.

He said, "with a colorful palette, the stamps we issue Sunday feature moments of Deng's life, as well as snapshots of Hong Kong's transitions over the centuries." To pay tribute to his guidance during the transitional period and the contributions he made to Hong Kong, the stamps set his portraits against scenes of a prospering Hong Kong that he helped create.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2004)