HONG KONG, Jan. 6 -- Hong Kong Chief executive Leung Chun-ying said on Tuesday that he will keep liaising with the Central authorities about launching the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Executive Council meeting in the morning, Leung said that Hong Kong plays a vital role in the country's monetary reforms and the scheme would benefit both Hong Kong and the mainland's financial development.

Leung added that economic development is important and can help improve people's livelihoods and that the Hong Kong government will continue to strive for more development opportunities.

He also called on the local business and industrial sectors to seize the opportunities brought about by the development of Nansha and others such as Qianhai and Hengqin.