The central government unwaveringly supports Hong Kong's
economic development, social harmony and will safeguard its
long-term prosperity and stability because they are crucial to Hong
Kong, a central government official in Hong Kong said on
Thursday.
Gao Siren, director of the Liaison Office of the Central
People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) made the remarks on Thursday at a reception held by the
Liaison Office.
He said Hong Kong's primary task at present is to develop its
economy and improve the livelihood of its people.
He said economic development is the basis for development in all
areas. It constitutes a prerequisite for maintaining social harmony
and also creates conditions for developing democratic
politics.
Over 3,000 people, including Tung Chee Hwa, vice chairman of the
National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference (CPPCC), Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, central
government officials in Hong Kong, representatives of foreign
consulate generals and local celebrities attended the
reception.
Gao said the development of Hong Kong is closely linked with that
of the motherland. The central government will continue to firmly
implement the principles of "one country two systems"," Hong Kong
people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, and will
consistently support the Chief Executive and the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region government to run Hong Kong affairs according
to law.
In the new year, the Liaison Office will shoulder more
responsibility in promoting communication and liaison. The office
will make its due efforts to extensively contact people from all
walks of life, listen to and reflect their suggestions and
comments, promote exchange and cooperation between the mainland and
Hong Kong in various fields, support the HKSAR government in
running Hong Kong affairs according to law, and safeguard Hong
Kong's stability, prosperity and social harmony.
(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2006)