The central government fully recognized the work of Donald Tsang during his seven-year term of office serving as chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Chinese President Hu Jintao said Friday.

Under the leadership of Donald Tsang, the HKSAR government has performed its duty in accordance with law and worked in a practical and enterprising manner, said Hu at a meeting with Tsang.

The HKSAR government has attained remarkable achievements, especially in coping with the impact brought by the international financial crisis, deepening exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland, and formulating and carrying out a series of policies to boost economic growth and improve the people's livelihood, said Hu.

Hu expressed his hope that Donald Tsang could continue to concern himself with Hong Kong's development, support the his successor Leung Chun-ying and the new HKSAR government to work according to law, and contribute his wisdom and strength to further success in the implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy.

Tsang thanked the central government for its care to Hong Kong and support to his work.

"It is with the central government's support that Hong Kong has weathered through the global financial crisis and consolidated its status as a global center for finance, trade and shipment," said Tsang, adding that the HKSAR government has been accumulating more governing experience.

Tsang said with the strong support of the central government and the hard work of the Hong Kong people, any difficulties could be overcome.

Hu attended a private dinner hosted by Tsang at the Government House after the meeting.

The Chinese president arrived here Friday morning to attend celebrations for the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the new HKSAR government.