Jia Qinglin, chairman of China's top political advisory body, said Monday that the central government sincerely supports Hong Kong realization long-term development and prosperity.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met a delegation of overseas Chinese societies from Hong Kong headed by Dr. Robin ChanYao-hing Monday.

The central government has adhered to the basic principles of "one China, two systems" and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," Jia said.

Since last year the central government has greatly pushed forward the implementation of Chinese mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) in a bid to help Hong Kong maintain prosperity and stability, he added.

The central government has gradually lifted the control on individual tourists from the Chinese mainland to Hong Kong and allowed Hong Kong banks to start services in Renminbi. This helps to meet the needs of local society and is conducive to long-term interests of local residents, he said.

The economy in Chinese mainland has made a remarkable growth since the People's Republic of China was founded 55 years ago, thanks to the joint efforts made by all Chinese people including compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese, Jia said.

Jia said he hopes the overseas Chinese societies in Hong Kong will follow their patriotic tradition and continue working for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and pushing forward the exchanges among Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and other countries. 

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2004)