Premier promises support to Hong Kong, Macao

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-19 14:17

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Friday that the central government will "take measures" to ensure Hong Kong and Macao's financial stability and economic development amid the global financial crisis.

The central government would help Hong Kong overcome challenges brought by the world financial crisis by promoting financial cooperation between the mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR), he said.

The central government would help Hong Kong upgrade infrastructure construction and grant favorable policies for small and medium-sized HK enterprises, Wen said during a meeting with Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of HKSAR.

The mainland would also ensure stable food and natural resources supply for the region and further open of its service industry market to HKSAR, he said.

In a separate meeting with the Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau-wah, Wen said the central government would take similar support measures for the region.

Hong Kong and Macao, previously colonies separately owned by the British and Portuguese, respectively returned to China in 1997 and 1999.

The two regions enjoy a high degree of autonomy, maintaining a capitalist economy under the policy of "one country, two systems".