Beijing briefing: In a Sunday meeting, Premier Wen Jiabao (right) says the Central Government has fully recognised the work done by Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and the Special Administrative Region Government.

Hong Kong people's livelihood has improved as the city's economy has rebounded, Premier Wen Jiabao says. He urged Hong Kong people to treasure this hard-won opportunity.

Premier Wen met Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa in Beijing today and was briefed on Hong Kong's latest economic situation.

Noting that Hong Kong's economic growth may reach 8% or higher, Premier Wen said he was pleased to see that there was a 16.4% increase in the city's goods trade.

Premier Wen reiterated that the Central Government has fully recognised the work done by Mr Tung and the Special Administrative Region Government.

Joint effort recognised

The city's recent economic recovery and social stability are the joint effort of Mr Tung, Hong Kong citizens and the Hong Kong Government, Premier Wen said.

He urged Hong Kong people to grasp the opportunity and co-operate with each other to work for a better future.

Premier Wen stressed that the Central Government will remain steadfast in upholding 'one country, two systems' and will adhere to the Basic Law.

It will further facilitate the economic co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland and ensure the city's prosperity and stability.

General atmosphere good: Tung

Mr Tung said Hong Kong has made great economic achievement recently and the problems of negative equity and deflation are easing.

Stressing that there was no increase in government spending last year, the Chief Executive believed the fiscal deficit problem could be solved earlier than expected.

The jobless rate is slowly falling, and the general atmosphere in Hong Kong is good, Mr Tung added.

Speaking to reporters before returning to Hong Kong, Mr Tung said he has briefed the Mainland leaders on the city's latest development and the work of Hong Kong people has been fully recognised.

During his stay in Beijing, Mr Tung spoke to a number of Mainland financial and legal officials on the implementation of CEPA, co-operation in Pan Pearl River Delta, and measures to reinforce Hong Kong's role as an Asian and international financial centre.

Mainland departments offer full support

Noting that maintaining Hong Kong's stability is the Central Government's policy, Mr Tung said the related Mainland departments have promised to offer full support to Hong Kong.

Mr Tung will depart for Beijing again on March 10 to attend the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. He will stay in the capital until March 12.

The Chief Executive also promised to speak on people's recent concerns when appropriate.