Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang in Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon.

During the meeting, Zeng made a very positive assessment of Tsang's work since Tsang took office as chief executive. He said local residents are now increasingly confident about the future of Hong Kong, which enjoys social stability, a recovering economy and prosperity of all sectors.

Zeng said he hopes the Hong Kong SAR government would continue to work hard, properly handle the various kinds of issues of common concern, and further improve the prosperity and stability Hong Kong is now enjoying.

The vice president arrived in Hong Kong earlier Saturday to kick off his three-day inspection tour, during which he is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Disneyland.

Upon his arrival, Zeng was greeted at the Lok Ma Chau cross boundary check point by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang, Administrative Secretary Rafael Hui, Financial Secretary Tang Ying-yen and Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung.

The vice-president was presented with bouquets of flowers by two children and then shook hands with the Hong Kong officials present.

He also chatted with reporters who are covering his arrival.

Zeng asked the reporters to convey his regards to the compatriots of Hong Kong and said "How are you" and "Thank you" in the local dialect -- Cantonese.

Officials accompanying Zeng on the tour include Liao Hui, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and director of the HongKong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council; Gao Siren, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Mao Linkun, deputy director of the General Office ofthe Central Committee of the Communist Party of China; and Shao Qiwei, director of the National Tourism Administration.

Zeng flew to Shenzhen from Beijing Saturday morning. During his stay in Hong Kong, Zeng is also to meet people from all walks of life and view financial, educational and sports facilities

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2005)