Bright outlook: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa exchanges views with National Development & Reform Commission Chairman Ma Kai on our economic development.

Our economy will continue to pick up with further improvements in deflation and unemployment, and this year's economic growth rate is expected to reach 6%.

This was the message from Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa at a meeting with National Development & Reform Commission Chairman Ma Kai in Beijing today.

Mr Tung said we will climb out of deflation eventually, and the unemployment rate will fall at a slower pace due to economic restructuring.

Mr Tung said the Central Government's support after the SARS outbreak and the implementation of CEPA have had a positive impact on our economy.

President hails anti-bird flu measures

Mr Tung later called on President Hu Jintao and thanked the Central Government for its support.

President Hu expressed his concern over the impact of Asian bird flu outbreak on Hong Kong, and said he was glad to see our effective measures in fighting the disease.

Mr Tung said safeguarding public health always tops the Government's agenda, adding that we will remain vigilant to prevent any possible outbreak.

He also said President Hu has agreed and supports our plan to expand the scope of CEPA.