Official: Full support to HK amid financial crisis

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-15 21:08

BEIJING -- Chinese top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Monday promised that the central government will, whenever needed, lend full support to Hong Kong amid the ongoing global financial crisis.

The screen shows the Hang Seng Index at a bank in Hong Kong Friday, Dec. 12, 2008. Chinese top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Monday promised that the central government will lend full support to Hong Kong amid the ongoing global financial crisis. [Agencies]

"The central government would unswervingly promote the development of Hong Kong," he said in a meeting with a visiting delegation from the Hong Kong-based Chinese General Chamber of Commerce(CGCC).

"Anything that is in the fundamental interests of the country and Hong Kong, favorable to the region's social, economic and political development and conducive to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, would get full support from the central government," he said.

He also called for Hong Kong entrepreneurs to seek opportunities amid global financial turmoil to boost the local economy.

"Hong Kong businessmen should enhance their confidence and tackle the global financial turmoil appropriately," he said.

With the support of the central government, Hong Kong citizens have overcome obstacles and have made remarkable achievements the past 11 years.

The official also urged efforts from the CGCC representatives to maintain regional social harmony and stability.

China's concepts on governing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region -- "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with "high degree of autonomy" -- have been proved sound, he said.

Hong Kong, previously a British colony, returned to China in 1997. Under the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong now enjoys a high degree of autonomy and maintains a highly capitalist economy. It is one of the world's leading financial capitals and a major business hub.