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The Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Jia Qinglin, this afternoon (June 29) ended a successful three-day visit to Hong Kong.
Speaking to the media before his departure, Mr Jia said he personally felt the profound friendship of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government as well as its people throughout this visit. He could also feel the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as well as the superiority of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems".
Saying that the current good situation did not come easily, he expressed the hope that all sectors in Hong Kong would focus their efforts to further consolidate and develop the city.
"The Central Government will, as it has in the past, give its full support to Hong Kong and the Motherland will always be the powerful backer of Hong Kong," Mr Jia said.
"I wholeheartedly wish that Hong Kong will maintain its prosperity and stability and Hong Kong people will always enjoy happiness," he said. "I thank the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, and the HKSARG for giving us a warm reception and to you (the media) for your hard work."
Earlier, Mr Jia toured the Hong Kong International Airport, the world's fifth busiest international passenger airport was greeted by the Airport Authority's Chairman, Dr Victor Fung.
Dr Fung and Chief Executive Officer Dr David Pang outlined the airport's future development and its co-operation with Mainland counterparts to Chairman Jia.
Commissioner of Customs and Excise Mr Timothy Tong briefed Chairman Jia on the operation of his department at the airport and saw a demonstration of how drug detector dog conducted searches on passengers.
Director-General of Civil Aviation Mr Norman Lo took Mr Jia to the Air Traffic Control Complex as well as the Air Traffic Control Tower and explained how air traffic controllers worked round the clock to ensure the safe and efficient flow of aircraft movements within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region.
This morning, Mr Jia delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao Trade and Economic Co-operation Forum to mark the third anniversary of the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.
He then visited the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd (HKEx). Accompanied by HKEx Chairman Mr Ronald Arculli and HKEx Chief Executive Mr Paul Chow, Mr Jia toured the newly renovated Exchange Trading and Exhibition Hall Complex.
Speaking to reporters after the tour, Mr Jia said the high turnover of Hong Kong's stock market indicated that Hong Kong's status as a financial centre was very firm and solid.
He hoped that the Mainland and Hong Kong would step up co-operation and exchange to strengthen mutual development between the two places.
Mr Jia also took a harbour cruise with the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip and the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, to learn more about the city's logistics and port planning.
Ends/Thursday, June 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:48
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