Painful decisions have been taken in drafting today's Budget, the Financial Secretary said.
Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said he hoped the title and turquoise cover of the blueprint would give a sense of 'brilliance, initiative and boldness'.
He said he had decided on the title 'Onward With New Strengths', after a trip to Jiuzhaigou, a resort in northern Sichuan province, in August. 'It is a lovely area with waterfalls and inland lakes where the water was crystal clear. It's the first time I realised what turquoise meant.
'It gives a sign of life, rejuvenation and brilliance and clarity. And this I thought was an ideal colour for my budget document this year.' He also chose a glossy finish, instead of matt, to represent a sense of boldness, which was the sentiment he wanted to convey.
'The title indicates that we are going to welcome and face boldly the new century,' he said. The eight-character Chinese title also carries the meaning of 'strengthening fundamentals and prudent financial management'.
Mr Tsang will begin delivering his fourth budget at 2.30pm.