HONG KONG - Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang concluded a 3-day visit to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday afternoon and returned to Beijing.

Before boarding his plane, Li told reporters at Hong Kong International Airport that he had deep feelings and more knowledge about Hong Kong as a result of this trip.

The first feeling is that Hong Kong's role in the nation's reform and opening drive is irreplaceable, and cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong is blessed with wide areas and huge potential, he said.

Secondly, Hong Kong compatriots are hard-working and wise, and the Hong Kong society is open, diversified and full of vigor, Li said.

Thirdly, whatever the environment might change, Hong Kong under the rule of "one country, two systems" has strong vitality and is capable of dealing with challenges and maintaining prosperity and stability.

"With potential, vigor and vitality, I am fully confident of Hong Kong's future development," he added.

Li was seen off at the airport by Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang and other senior officials of the city government as well heads of the Liaison Office of the Chinese Central People's Government in Hong Kong, office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong and the Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.