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The Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr Li Keqiang, arrived in Hong Kong shortly before noon today (August 16) for a three-day official visit.
Accompanying Mr Li on his visit are the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Zhang Ping; the Minister of Commerce, Mr Chen Deming; the Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Zhou Xiaochuan; and the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya.
On arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, Mr Li was greeted by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Peng Qinghua; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang; the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lu Xinhua; the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Lieutenant General Zhang Shibo; and Political Commissar Lieutenant General Wang Zengbo.
After disembarking from the plane, Mr Li shook hands with Mr Tsang and the welcoming party at the airport apron.
Mr Li said the main purpose of his visit to Hong Kong was to attend the Forum on the National 12th Five-Year Plan and Economic, Trade and Financial Co-operation and Development Between the Mainland and Hong Kong as well as related activities, adding that he had brought some new policy measures from the Central Government on supporting Hong Kong's further development and enhancing trade and financial co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
He said he will also attend the centenary celebration of the University of Hong Kong, meet and listen to the views of people from various sectors to enhance his understanding of Hong Kong, appreciate the city's changes and look forward to Hong Kong's future development.
Mr Li sent his best wishes to the people of Hong Kong.
Mr Li was then driven to the hotel where he is staying. A meeting is scheduled for Mr Li to meet Mr Tsang at the hotel later.
Ends/Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 13:30
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