Premier Wen on HKSAR chief executive election

Premier Wen Jiabao meets both Chinese and foreign reporters after the closing ceremony of the annual session of the National People's Congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 14, 2012.?

Q: What's your comment on the election of a new chief executive in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region? What are the underlying problems facing the Hong Kong SAR other than the change of government and the European debt crisis? What's your hope for the future development of the Hong Kong SAR?

A:?Hong Kong now faces both difficulties and opportunities. Hong Kong is confronted with the dual pressure of a slowing economic growth and inflation other than the persistent effects of the European debt crisis and the financial crisis. To tackle the difficulties, Hong Kong should continuously promote economic development, improve people's livelihood, advance democracy and maintain social harmony, in particular address concerns of social justice, rising prices, housing, education and medical care.

With respect to the election of a new chief executive, I am confident that Hong Kong residents can elect a leader popular with most Hong Kong residents as long as the election is held in line with the laws and the principles of openness, justice and fairness.

Despite all these difficulties facing Hong Kong, I am confident that Hong Kong people can administer Hong Kong. I would like very much to revisit Hong Kong, talk to local people and meet with the college students.