Central Government's Principled Support of Proposal for Free Trade Area: Tung

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, December 21, 2001

Central Government's Principled Support of Proposal for Free Trade Area: Tung

Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of HK SAR, Wednesday told journalists that he had explained to central leaders his proposal for setting up a similar free trade zone between the inland and Hong Kong. Leaders of the central government have expressed their principled support. Tung appreciated the trust and support given to him by the central government leaders.

Trust & Support Appreciated

Tung, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, noted that he had reported the latest developments of Hong Kong to President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji and expressed his determination to participate in the second-term election for the chief executive of the HK SAR.

He gave an introduction on the focal points of his future work. "I thank the central government leaders for the trust and support they have given me", Tung added.

Proposal on Similar Free Trade Zone Under Discussion

Tung said he had explained to central leaders his proposal for setting up a similar free trade zone between the inland and Hong Kong. The central government gave much attention to his proposal and said that they would study it carefully and that they would give Hong Kong policy support to maintain its status as a center of finance, trade, shipping, material circulation and tourism, and give full play to its advantages, so that Hong Kong will play an irreplaceable role in these areas.

As regards Tung's proposal, leaders of the central government have expressed their principled support and have instructed the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation to form a special group to discuss the matter with representatives from Hong Kong.

Advantages of Hong Kong

Generally, free trade zones are set up between countries, Tung said, that's why he proposed setting up a similar free trade zone. No timetable has been set, because the matter has to be discussed specifically by experts, Tung noted.

Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta will develop closer ties, Tung said. Hong Kong and Guangdong Province have very good mechanisms for mutual communication, which is very important for furthering cooperation, he added.

Compared with other Asian countries and regions, Hong Kong has its advantages in finance, tourism and other service industry. The country should now take advantage of its good development momentum to help Hong Kong's economic restructuring. But he also emphasized the most important thing is that "we should have confidence in ourselves, be united as one and make common efforts".

Responsibility in Election

In answering the question regarding his run-for candidacy in the election, Tung said that he would try his best to win votes as many as possible. However, the most important thing is he should take the responsibility for the 6m HK residents, Tung noted.

Central Government to Help HK Overcome Difficulty: Jiang

Chinese President Jiang Zemin Wednesday told Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the HKSAR, that the Chinese central government will take a number of measures to help Hong Kong overcome its current economic difficulties.

Jiang spoke highly of the performance of Tung as first chief executive of HKSAR and hoped Tung will lead the HK SAR government and the people of HK in overcoming temporary difficulties and creating a better future during his possible second term.

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.

By PD Online staff member Du Minghua

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