Full support for HK, Macao pledged ( 2003-12-03 18:00) (Xinhua)
President Hu Jintao said Wednesday that the central government will continue
to implement the basic policy of "one country, two systems,'' pledging full
support for the governments of Hong Kong and Macao, to maintain long-term
prosperity and stability in the two regions.
President Hu Jintao
meets Tung Chee-hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR), in Beijing December 3, 2003. Hu also held
talks with Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Tung's counterpart of Macao SAR.
[Xinhua]
President Hu made the remarks while
meeting separately with Tung Chee-hwa and Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executives of
Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SAR) respectively, Wednesday
in Beijing. The two chief executives are here reporting on their work to the
central government.
During his meeting with Tung, the president praised the Hong Kong SAR
government's work to improve its administration and people's livelihood,
safeguard social stability and promote economic development.
With the support of the central government, Hu said, the mainland and Hong
Kong SAR government are working together to implement a Closer Economic
Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).
The economy of Hong Kong has shown the momentum of recovery with increased
confidence from local residents, Hu acknowledged.
Hu said he hoped Hong Kong authorities would continue their efforts to
improve communication with all walks of life in Hong Kong, and draw on the
wisdom of the public to improve their services.
Hu also underlined the vital significance of the role of Hong Kong
compatriots in bringing about economic revitalization and development in the
region.
After hearing Tung's report on the comments from the Hong Kong community
concerning political system examination, Hu said the central government has a
clear-cut position on the development of Hong Kong's political system.
The central government holds that the political system must progress
according to the specific conditions in the region and in line with the Basic
Law of HKSAR.
Hu said he believed that the Hong Kong community will be able to reach a
broad-based consensus on the issue.
During his meeting with Macao's Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the president praised the
local government for achieving the good situation under which Macao enjoys
social stability and a growing economy, while local residents live and work in
peace and contentment.
Since China resumed its sovereignty over Macao, Hu said, the SAR government
has been taking initiatives and been pragmatic in making progress in improving
the situation of law and order, pressing ahead with government administrative
reform, defining economic development strategies and policies that conform to
the concrete conditions of Macao, and deepening economic co-operation with the
mainland while expanding international exchanges.
