Chinese Mainland Considering Moves to Boost HK Economy: Premier Zhu

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, December 20, 2001

Chinese Mainland Considering Moves to Boost HK Economy: Premier Zhu

Chinese central government is considering a number of measures in economic, financial, infrastructural and tourism fields to help boost the HK economy, said Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Wednesday during his meeting with Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the HK SAR. Zhu praised the achievements made by Tung and his regional government over the last four or so years and believes HK will continue to play a non replaceable role in the future.

Chinese Mainland Considering Moves to Boost Hong Kong Economy: Premier

Tung's Proposals Important: Zhu

The move, the premier said, is being taken in response to proposals made recently by Tung to the central government, and are meant to reinforce and raise the status of Hong Kong as an international financial, trade, shipping, commodity circulation and tourism center.

The central government attaches great importance to the proposals, he added.

Arrangement Considered for HK & Macao SAR

He told Tung, who came here to report to the central government, that the mainland is also considering arrangements that will make closer its trade and economic relations with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and neighboring Macao SAR in a bid to promote economic cooperation between the hinterland, Hong Kong and Macao for common development.

Achievements of HKSAR Government Appreciated

Zhu praised the achievements made by Tung as chief executive of HK SAR and his regional government over the last four or so years since China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997.

Economic, Social Stability

Hong Kong has managed to maintain economic, financial security and social stability despite the negative impact of the Asian financial crisis and sluggish global economy, and has taken some measures to alleviate the difficulties encountered and promote economic development in the long run, the premier said.

He described the achievements as outstanding and hard-won.

Non Replaceable Role

Despite the current economic difficulties it faces, Hong Kong still has lots of peculiar advantages and broad space of development, the premier noted.

The premier believes Hong Kong will continue to play an important, non replaceable role during the future economic development of China as a whole, adding Hong Kong has made significant contribution to the mainland's reform and opening to the outside world and modernization drive.

Tung's Decision for Second-Term Run Welcomed

Zhu said he is pleased that Tung announced a few days ago his decision to run for the second-term of the chief executive of HKSAR, saying he believes Tung will be able to win the support of the election committee and Hong Kong residents.

Among those present at the meeting were Wang Zhongyu, state councilors and secretary general of the State Council, and Liao Hui, director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

Tung Chee Hwa Declares Candidacy for 2nd Term of HK Chief Executive

Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), announced in Hong Kong on December 13 that he would run for a second term of the Hong Kong SAR chief executive in the upcoming election.

Tung made the announcement at a gathering of about 1,000 supporters for his re-election in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and expressed that he seeks the vote of each and every elector and the community's full support.

Click Here for Full Text of Tung Chee Hwa's Re-election Speech

Full Text of Tung Chee Hwa's Re-election Speech

Tung Chee Hwa Declares Candidacy for 2nd Term of HK Chief Executive

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