Wen vows support to HK and Macau

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-12-20  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

PREMIER Wen Jiabao yesterday unveiled a mainland plan to help Hong Kong and Macau tackle economic challenges amid the global financial crisis - an effort featuring support for infrastructure development and business enterprises.

Wen pledged "reliable backing" for Hong Kong during a meeting in Beijing with Donald Tsang, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Under the plan, the central government will help Hong Kong upgrade infrastructure construction and grant favorable policies to small and medium-sized enterprises in the SAR, Wen said.

"The mainland will also ensure stable food, water, electricity and natural gas supply for the region and the further opening of its service industry market to Hong Kong," he said.

In addition, measures will be taken to encourage more mainland tourists to visit Hong Kong, the premier told Tsang.

In a separate meeting, Wen pledged similar support to Edmund Ho Hau-wah, chief executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region.

"The central government will unswervingly support Macau in overcoming difficulties and maintaining stable economic development in the region," Wen said.