Hong Kong’s advantage will be fully highlighted in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) to guarantee its unique status in opening up and to help improve economy, Premier Li Keqiang said on Dec 23.

In a meeting with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, Premier Li hailed Hong Kong’s progress in economic growth and people’s livelihood for the past year.

The Premier said the mainland and Hong Kong have recently signed the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), which has achieved free trade in services between the two sides.

“Hong Kong should connect its own development with the nation’s overall strategies,” Premier Li said.

In particular, Premier Li asked to maintain the stability of Hong Kong’s financial system to prevent risks, as well as strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international hub of finance, trade and shipping.

Leung said Hong Kong will coordinate its development with the requirements of the 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiatives for the next year.

“The focus will be to enhance cooperation with mainland enterprises in finance and technology,” he said.

[Photo/Xinhua]