Wen stresses prosperity, stability of HK, Macao

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While hearing work reports from the chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) on Monday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed efforts to ensure long-term prosperity and stability in both SARs.

During both meetings, Wen expressed his appreciation for the work of the HKSAR and Macao SAR governments this year.

While meeting Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Wen said the Hong Kong SAR government took effective measures over the past year in maintaining financial stability and economic growth under the context of the weak recovery of the world economy and the European debt crisis, as well as forging closer exchanges and cooperation with the mainland.

During its remaining term that will last for about half a year, the Hong Kong SAR government should continue to strive for economic development and the improvement of people's livelihood as well as further secure and develop Hong Kong as an international financial center, Wen said.

The central government departments are working together with the Hong Kong SAR government to speed up the implementation of the announced package of 36 measures to bring mainland-Hong Kong economic and financial cooperation to a new high, he said.

The package's implementation will be pushed forward with an aim of boosting Hong Kong's capabilities to confront challenges and risks and explore greater space for Hong Kong's development, Wen said.

"We are confident about Hong Kong's future," We said.

In a separate meeting with Macao SAR Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On, the premier said that Macao maintained rapid economic growth and a harmonious and stable society last year.

To improve Macao's capabilities in coping with risks, Wen urged the SAR to reasonably diversify its economic development.

Macao SAR government should work out appropriate measures to prepare itself for next year's external environment which seems far from optimistic, according to Wen.

During the meetings, Wen said the central government supports the Hong Kong and Macao SARs in dealing with problems that emerge during social and economic development in accordance with their Basic Laws.