Li, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said: "Over half of China's exports and imports have either gone through or come from Hong Kong, and it is the same with capital."

Li is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.

"Without Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland could not have accessed the global market and sent its commodities to every corner of the world as smoothly as it has for the past 20 years," Li said.

Li made the remarks while meeting senior representatives of the Liaison Office of the central people's government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and leading mainland-funded enterprises in Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, the chairman said that he believes Hong Kong will play a more important role in China's future development.

As is widely recognized, Li said, Hong Kong has maintained its stability and prosperity after returning to the motherland in 1997.

"Stability and prosperity are what Hong Kong should pursue in the future for the benefit of not only the people of Hong Kong, but of all the people of China and for the country's future development," Li said.

Li is the third top national leader to visit Hong Kong after its return to China in 1997. President Jiang Zemin and Vice-President Hu Jintao have also visited Hong Kong.

As the head of the advisory body to the Chinese government, Li hopes all governmental branch offices and mainland-funded enterprises in Hong Kong will rally to support the HKSAR government in accordance with the law.

He asked them to faithfully implement the policy of "one China, two systems."

Li also attended a grand reception in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce later in the evening.

In another development, President Jiang Zemin has written an inscription for Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the organization.

The inscription reads: "Carry forward the fine tradition of loving the motherland and Hong Kong, safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability."

Li began his second day in Hong Kong Monday by visiting a primary school and a hospital in New Territory accompanied by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.

The students at the Tai Po Old Market Public School showed Li their computer and multi-media skills and performed a lion dance and gymnastics.

The chairman encouraged the students and teachers by saying the future of Hong Kong lies with young people and schools.

(China Daily 11/7/2000)