Tung Chee Hwa, who is paying his annual duty visit to Beijing, reported the situation on social, economic development in Hong Kong over the past year.

The chief executive also talked about the major contents of the policy speech he delivered recently in Hong Kong.

Premier Zhu said the HKSAR government under the leadership of Mr. Tung has made marked achievements in building a favorable business environment, promoting economic recovery and has balanced social development and other areas since early this year. The economic development momentum remains good in Hong Kong, the premium noted.

During the meeting, Zhu also give a brief account about the 10th five-year (2001-2005) economic and social development plan, which is still being formulated, and the implementation of the development strategy for western China.

Zhu said that China is expected to join the World Trade Organization soon, which will not only be favorable to the hinterland in China, but will also offer more development opportunities for Hong Kong.

Among those present at the meeting were Wang Zhongyu, state councilor and secretary general of the State Council, and Liao Hui, director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

(China Daily 10/28/2000)