President Hu wishes HK more prosperous future

Hu made the remark while meeting with Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), who came to Beijing for an annual report to the central government.

"Hong Kong is enjoying social stability and a growing economy. The people's lives are improving as well," said Hu.

He hopes people from all walks of life will continue to work together and achieve more economic prosperity and social harmony.

The central government shows great concern for the interests of Hong Kong people and seriously discussed issues with the HKSAR government regarding economics, finance, trans-national infrastructure construction cooperation, environmental protection and food safety, said Hu. 

President Hu: more support promised for Macao's development

In the seven years since its return to China, Macao had sustained fast development and improved social security, Hu said while meeting with Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah.

The ties between the region and the mainland were getting closer and Macao was making more exchanges with other countries, he said.

"The central government will continue to support and assist Macao in its development and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability," Hu told Ho, who was in Beijing to make an annual work report to the central government.

He also hopes the Macao government and the people could contribute more to the region's future.

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Premier Wen praises efforts made by HKSAR gov't

Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang and praised the efforts made by the HKSAR government over the year.

"The situation in Hong Kong is, in general, good," said Wen.

He spoke highly of the HKSAR government's achievements in economic development and social welfare and called on the HKSAR government and the whole of Hong Kong society to continue their development.

Wen pointed out that the development of Hong Kong over the nine years since it returned to China showed that the implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong " and a high degree of autonomy has guaranteed Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

"The Central Government will continue to support the HKSAR government and its Chief Executive's work in developing the economy, improving citizens' lives and promoting social harmony," said Wen.

Wen also noted that the central government would implement the policies which are deemed conducive to Hong Kong's economic and social development, especially in the fields of infrastructure development, investment, trade and finance.

Premier Wen praises progress by Macao SAR gov't

Premier Wen Jiabao praised the development made by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) during a meeting with Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah in Beijing Friday.

After hearing Ho's report on Macao's economic and social progress, Wen said, "Currently, Macao's overall situation is good, with steadily developed economy, improved living standards and a more stable society."

Wen expressed his hope that the Macao SAR government would continue to unite all social sectors to work for sustainable and coordinated economic and social development.

"The central government will adhere to the principles of 'one country, two systems', 'Macao people governing Macao' and 'a high degree of autonomy'," Wen said.

"The central government will continue to support the Macao SAR government to strictly implement the Basic Law," he said.

Wen also inquired of Ho about the effects of salt tides on Macao's water supply. Macao experiences salt tides in winter and spring when water reserves decrease and seawater flows in.

Wen said the department concerned and the Guangdong provincial government were taking measures to assist Macao in solving the problem.

Vice-Premier Wu Yi, State Councilors Tang Jiaxuan and Hua Jianmin, and Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Liao Hui were present.