Growth engine

Mr Tsang told reporters that the city's Binhai New Area has been listed in the national overall development strategy. The area will be developed as one of the most opening-up cities in the Mainland's north, serving as an economic growth engine in the region.

He said Hong Kong, being an international finance centre with top knowledge in securities, banking and asset management, is willing to share experience with Tianjin. He also encouraged Tianjin enterprises to set up offices in Hong Kong, making use of the city's strengths and talents to enter the international arena.

Noting both Hong Kong and Tianjin are trade ports, Mr Tsang said today's visit will be conducive to development and co-operation between the two cities.

Basic Law

On yesterday's Basic Law seminar in Beijing, Mr Tsang said both the Central and Hong Kong Governments have been abiding by the Basic Law since the reunification. National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo and other speakers at the seminar recognised the successful implementation of Basic Law in Hong Kong.

On concerns over Mr Wu's remarks at the seminar, Mr Tsang said the chairman only reiterated the rationale behind the Basic Law and the remarks were nothing new. For more details on the seminar, click here.

Mr Tsang said discussion on Hong Kong's constitutional development will be conducted according to the Basic Law, adding that the ultimate aim of universal suffrage can only be achieved with forbearance and community consensus.