Premier Wen Jiabao said Friday that Hong Kong's role as an
international financial, shipping and trade center can not be
replaced by any other places.
"At this moment, Hong Kong is at a critical period of further
growth," Wen told a press conference following the closure of the
annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), or China's
top legislature.
Hong Kong has a very unique geographical advantage; it has the
freest economy in the world; and it has extensive links with the
rest of the world and a full-fledged legal system, Wen said.
"The past decade since Hong Kong' return has been an
extraordinary period," Wen said, adding that the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has united all people in
Hong Kong to overcome a number of difficulties such as the Asian
financial turmoil, and that Hong Kong has stabilized, recovered and
grown its economy.
The well-being of Hong Kong people has continued to improve, he
added.
Over the past ten years, the Chinese central government has
unswervingly implemented the principles of "one country two
systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree
of autonomy, he said.
"And we have strictly followed the Basic Law. We have not
intervened in the matters that fall into the jurisdiction of the
Hong Kong SAR government," the premier said.
(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2007)