Top political adviser Jia Qinglin begins his three-day Hong Kong
visit today, which is expected to launch a series of measures to
boost local economic development.
Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
Conference (CPPCC), will attend the third anniversary of
the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), a free trade
pact within China issued by Premier Wen Jiabao in 2003.
Jia will also officiate at the opening ceremony of the Mainland,
Hong Kong and Macao Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum on
Thursday, and deliver a keynote speech.
Jia's itinerary includes tours of key financial institutions and
infrastructure projects.
Liao Xiaoqi, vice-minister of commerce, told reporters earlier
in Beijing that his ministry aims to further enrich the contents of
the CEPA.
Liao said that further cooperation between the mainland and
special administrative regions is expected to lead to breakthroughs
in areas such as intellectual property rights protection, energy
conservation and environmental protection.
He noted that an important feature of the CEPA is cooperation in
the Pan-Pearl River Delta area. According to Hong Kong media, the
third complementary agreements of CEPA are expected to be signed
during Jia's visit.
It is reported that under the third phase of the CEPA, Hong Kong
and Macao businesses in the legal sector, tourism, architectural
services, telecommunications, banking and transport industries will
be allowed to establish operations on the mainland.
Observers noted that Jia's Hong Kong visit, his first after
becoming a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau
of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is of great
significance and highlights the emphasis and support that the
central government provides to Hong Kong.
CEPA has operated smoothly since its launch in January 2004 and
two complementary agreements have been signed since then.
(China Daily June 27, 2006)