Vice-Premier Wu Yi said Tuesday that the central government will fully support the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), headed by Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, to administrate Hong Kong in accordance with law.

The central government will steadfastly adhere to the policy of "one country, two systems," Wu said when meeting with a delegation from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), led by its chairman Anthony J. L. Nightingale, Tuesday.

At present, what Hong Kong needs most is the maintenance of stability, Wu said, adding that without a stable social environment, especially a sound environment for doing businesses, nothing can be accomplished.

She expressed the convinction the HKGCC will support and assist the Hong Kong SAR government in vigorating local economy and jointly creating a harmonious favorable social environment.

Vice-Premier Wu appreciated the efforts HKGCC has made to promote the growth of trade and industry in Hong Kong and economic exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the interior.

Moreover, Wu said, the HKGCC is expected to keep working to improve exchanges between business circles of Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland and to bring still closer their economic ties in a bid to boost the prosperity and development of Hong Kong economy.

(Xinhua News Agency  September 3, 2003)