Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday expressed strong confidence that Hong Kong will have a better future and said what the city needs most now is "understanding, trust and unity."

He also reiterated the central government's full support for anything that will contribute to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as well as the common development of the region and the mainland.

"Hong Kong's future will be shaped by the people of Hong Kong. What are needed most now are understanding, trust and unity; as well as confidence, courage and action," he said at a cocktail reception to mark the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday.

Delivering a keynote speech to more than 2,000 guests, Wen said the fundamental interests and well-being of all Hong Kong people lie in its long-term prosperity, stability and development.

"I hope our Hong Kong compatriots will cherish the hard-won position as masters of their own affairs, and make efforts to fulfill the popular aspiration for social stability and seize precious opportunities for development."

Although Hong Kong is facing temporary difficulties, Wen said, he has all the reasons to believe that it will have a better tomorrow.

He also restated the central government's full backing for Hong Kong.

Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa expressed thanks to the new central government for the care, support and trust it has shown.

He said the SAR government will seize the golden opportunity provided by the newly-signed Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, and vigorously foster closer ties with the mainland, particularly the Pearl River Delta.

He said Hong Kong will do its best to bring the economic growth back on track as soon as possible.

(China Daily 07/02/2003 page1)