Wen Jiabao supports Hong Kong`s role as global center

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has voiced support for Hong Kong`s role as a center of global financial and other economic activities, saying Beijing will seek stronger ties with Hong Kong, according to local media reports on Sunday, according to Yonhap news agency.



Hong Kong-based Chinese newspapers, including Takungpao and Singtao, reported on their Web sites that Wen mentioned the importance of Hong Kong`s role on world stage during a Beijing press conference on Sunday.



The news conference was held after the closing session of the National People Congress in Beijing earlier this month. The NPC is the highest state body and the only legislative house in China.



The papers quoted Wen as saying that China will need to come up with ways "how to maintain and further develop the existing strengths of Hong Kong as a global financial center, shipping center and trade center."