Bigger role of HK expected in promoting development: minister

Xu Shaoshi, head of China's National Development and Reform Commission, gives a press conference for the third session of China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC) on the economic situation and macro-economic control in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2015. The third session of China's 12th NPC opened in Beijing on March 5. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, March 5-- China's top economic planner said Thursday that Hong Kong was expected to play a bigger role in promoting the country's development.

Xu Shaoshi, minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference that he had met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in Beijing and they discussed issues relating to Hong Kong in the formulation of China's 13th Five-year Plan (2016-2020).

The region has long been an international financial hub, trade and navigation center, he said. "But we think that it could play an even bigger role in promoting economic cooperation, especially in fields of laws, talent and culture."

Hong Kong and the mainland are complementing each other in those fields, he said. "We want to step up consultation with the HKSAR government so that the region could have a better play in the 13th Five-Year Plan."