There was a marked sigh of relief among foreign envoys and analysts when Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen reiterated his vision last week for a bigger, more international Hong Kong to compete with London and New York as one of the world's financial capitals.
While some elements of his goal - such as Hong Kong having a population of 10 million - may raise more questions than answers, the mere fact he has an international vision is a welcome idea for some.
Hong Kong's role in the region and the world is a topic of constant debate across diplomatic dinner tables.
The looming 10th anniversary of the handover is only intensifying such discussions. Has our city maintained its place in the world? How important is Hong Kong to the region? In which direction is it heading?
Private discussions with diplomats based in the city has shown a decidedly mixed picture emerging.
On the one hand, the city has succeeded in securing the key elements of its freedoms and reputation 10 years into the change of sovereignty. It is run by a clean and relatively open government, underpinned by a rigorous British-based legal system.