Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Chairman Jia Qinglin arrived in Hong Kong this morning for a three-day visit, his first since 1994.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang greeted Mr Jia at Lok Ma Chau where two youngsters presented him with a welcome bouquet. Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui, Financial Secretary Henry Tang, Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung, Legislative Council President Rita Fan, Executive Council Convenor Leung Chun-ying and Chief Executive Office Director John Tsang were also on hand to welcome Mr Jia to Hong Kong.

Red-carpet treatment: Chief Executive Donald Tsang welcomes CPPCC Chairman Jia Qinglin at Lok Ma Chau; the two relax at the Grand Hyatt; Mr Jia tours the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Mr Jia told reporters he had been keeping abreast of Hong Kong's situation and the well being of its residents. He was pleased to learn of the harmony and strong economic development that Hong Kong now enjoyed and asked the media to convey his warm regards and well wishes to compatriots here.

He will attend a forum to commemorate the third anniversary of the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, or CEPA, between Hong Kong and the Mainland. He will also meet people from different community sectors and explore economic cooperation issues between Hong Kong, Macau and the Mainland.

Mr Jia stopped by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to enjoy the view of Victoria Harbour and West Kowloon from the 56th floor of Two IFC. Financial Secretary Henry Tang and HKMA Chief Executive Joseph Yam gave him briefings on Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre and the development of renminbi business in Hong Kong.