The Central Government fully supports Hong Kong's strategy to promote traditional pillar industries and develop six economic areas where the city enjoys clear advantages, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing today Mr Tsang said he is pleased to learn Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his full support for Hong Kong's economic development strategy in his annual work report.

He agreed with the premier's suggestions of enhancing economic ties with the Mainland, and fostering more co-operation between Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong.

In session: Chief Executive Donald Tsang briefs reporters on his itinerary after attending the opening ceremony of the third Session of the 11th National People's Congress.

Global economy

Mr Tsang said he exchanged views on global economic prospects with Vice Premier Wang Qishan yesterday. Both agreed the international economic environment is complicated and there are still many uncertainties ahead.

"While we are cautiously optimistic about this year's economy, we will monitor the development closely and carefully."

Reiterating Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre is irreplaceable, Mr Wang said follow-up works are underway to implement measures to consolidate Hong Kong's role as a testing ground for the country to launch financial reforms. A new round of negotiation on more liberation measures under the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement has also started.

At another meeting yesterday, Mr Tsang called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi who backed Hong Kong's development of external relations. Thanking the Central Government for its support for setting up the Hague Conference on Private Law's Asia-Pacific Office in Hong Kong, Mr Tsang said the proposal, if implemented, will help Hong Kong enhance its status as a regional legal service centre.

More co-operation

Mr Tsang also met Macau Chief Executive Chui Sai-on on Wednesday and they agreed to bolster co-operation in tourism, education, training and healthcare services. Concrete discussion is expected in next month's Hong Kong-Macau Co-operation Meeting.

Tomorrow Mr Tsang will discuss with Guangdong Provincial Committee Secretary Wang Yang the formulation of a framework agreement for co-operation which will translate macro policies of the Outline of the Plan for the Reform & Development of the Pearl River Delta into concrete measures.

Expecting the agreement will be ready for signing soon, Mr Tsang said the framework will also serve as an agenda for Hong Kong-Guangdong co-operation, laying a foundation in seeking to incorporate related initiatives into the National 12th Five-Year Plan.

Mr Tsang will meet Beijing's Mayor Guo Jinlong tomorrow to discuss details of the upcoming Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Symposium to be held in Hong Kong.