The Xinhua News Agency Hong Kong Branch will be renamed the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as from January 18, said Jiang Enzhu, director of the body, Hong Kong on January 17.

Meanwhile, the Xinhua News Agency Macao Branch will be renamed the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), said Jiang at a tea party held for the media.

The State Council has appointed Jiang Enzhu and Wang Qiren as directors of the liaison offices of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and the MSAR, respectively.

Since both Hong Kong and Macao have returned to China, it is necessary for the representative offices of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and the MSAR to have names which match their nature, said Jiang.

The decision to rename the two bodies has also been made to promote the implementation of the policies of "One Country, Two Systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and "Macao peoplegoverning Macao," and a high degree of autonomy, he said.

According to Jiang, the main duties of the new Liaison Office in Hong Kong include maintaining contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR and helping relevant governmental departments on the mainland manage mainland organizations and enterprises in Hong Kong.

The Liaison Office will also promote cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland in a number of areas including education, science and technology, culture and sports and further develop exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong. Other functions include dealing with matters related to Taiwan and duties assigned by the Central People's Government.