Help at hand: Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Vice-President Xi Jinping meet in Dujiangyan, Sichuan.

Vice-President Xi Jinping has thanked Hong Kong for its help in the reconstruction of Sichuan's earthquake-stricken areas.

Mr Xi met with Chief Executive Donald Tsang who led a delegation to Dujiangyan today.

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong will help rebuild hospitals, schools and infrastructure, and the Wolong panda reserve. The Hong Kong and Sichuan governments also agreed to establish a co-operation mechanism.

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong will invite professional organisations to conduct reconstruction projects. He also planned to submit reports to the Legislative Council for extra funding for reconstruction work in Sichuan, and has asked Mainland authorities to arrange visits to disaster areas for lawmakers.