The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang left for Beijing Thursday to attend the opening ceremony of the fourth session of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC).

Speaking before departure, Tsang said he will attend the opening ceremony of the fourth session of the 10th NPC on Sunday and meet state leaders.

"I was in Beijing not too long ago in December and had a very thorough discussion with the President, the Premier and other senior officials," Tsang said.

"This is the busiest time for national leaders. What I am going to do on this occasion are practical things, which may bring greater benefits to Hong Kong people and bring new opportunities for economic development, and help further modernization of the nation as a whole," Tsang said.

About 100 Hong Kong deputies to the NPC and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) left for Beijing on Thursday as well.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2006)