Wen said that compared with developed countries, China, as a developing country, has undergone only a short period of time in its financial reform and development, lacking both experience and talented people, and there is also room for improvement in its financial system.

At present, China allows the yuan to become convertible under the current account and it will take a long time to realize full capital account convertibility for the Chinese yuan, he said.

Answering a reporter's question on whether building Shanghai into an international financial hub will rival Hong Kong's financial status, Wen said the Chinese central government has always paid close attention to the development of Hong Kong's financial sector.

"I noticed that most of the media in Hong Kong showed support for the decision to build Shanghai into an international financial center, but lingering worries still remain," he said.

Actually, the status of an international financial center is established not by a government decision but through market competition, he said.

"I have said years ago that Hong Kong's status as an international financial center is irreplaceable due to its unique geographical advantage, a long history of financial management, extensive channels of financial operation, a full-fledged legal system and a rich pool of financial expertise," Wen said.

However, Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub also meets challenges, he said.

He added that what is imperative for the time being is to enhance regulation, maintain the stable, healthy and sustainable development of its financial sector, and to make due support for its economy.

While developing the financial sector, Hong Kong should also spare no effort to tap the potential of its economic growth such as logistics, tourism, the health sector, science and technology, education, and high-tech industries, so as to lay a foundation for the sustained economic development, he said.

Responding to a question about the recent police investigation into Hong Kong-listed conglomerate CITIC Pacific, Wen said the issue should be addressed in accordance with the laws and financial supervision regulations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and no interference from the mainland or other parties will be allowed.

Earlier this month, Hong Kong police searched the headquarters of the company, which reported huge losses from unauthorized hedging against changes in the exchange rates of Australian dollar last year.

After all the facts are clarified, serious lessons should be drawn from this incident, including the company's management and its supervision, Wen said.

On Macao's economic growth, Premier Wen said it has a unique economy powered mainly by its gambling industry.

As the region continues to develop its gambling industry, efforts should be made to promote the region's economic diversity based on its own reality, he said.

Macao's development is somewhat restrained due to its tiny area, but the central government is currently working on a long-term development plan of the Pearl River Delta to strengthen economic ties between Guangdong Province and Macao in an effort to promote Macao's development, said the premier.

Because of Thailand's domestic situation, the Thai government on Saturday postponed the ASEAN related summits scheduled for April 11 and April 12.

Wen said his visit to Thailand was designed to enhance the friendly cooperative relations between China and ASEAN and to make joint efforts with its members to tackle the global financial crisis.

The Chinese premier said he had been aware of the situation in Thailand before his departure for the country, and his insistence on attending the summits indicated China's sincerity in this matter.

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2009)