Key duty: Premier Wen Jiabao says Hong Kong has an "important and irreplaceable" role in boosting the Mainland's development. (Xinhuanet photo)

Five more Mainland cities will join the individual visit scheme on May 1, Premier Wen Jiabao says. The close ties between Hong Kong and the Mainland and the Mainland's next five-year plan will boost prosperity and development in both places.

Premier Wen said nearly nine years after Hong Kong returned to the motherland, the capitalist system and legal system here have remained unchanged. Hong Kong people's freedom and rights are guaranteed.

He pointed out the improvement in the city's economy and people's living standards is conducive to promoting the democratic and political system according to the Basic Law.

Noting Hong Kong one of the freest and most open economies in the world, Premier Wen said Hong Kong has a "fully-fledged" legal system, "very favourable" business environment and extensive connections with the world market, and a large number of professionals who are familiar with the international economy.

He stressed these assets are favorable factors contributing to Hong Kong's development and have played an "important and irreplaceable" role in boosting the Mainland's development.

"I believe that with the implementation of the mainland's next five-year economic and social development plan for 2006-2010, the role of these favorable factors will be brought into full play," Premier Wen said.