China's central government supports Hong Kong's continued status as an international and regional aviation center, State Councilor Liu Yandong said on Friday.

The central government supports enhanced cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong in aviation, Liu said in a meeting with James Hughes-Hallett, chairman of the Swire Group.

The government attaches great importance to the economic development and social stability of Hong Kong, she said. The government had taken a series of measures to support Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) handling of the international financial crisis.

Since Hong Kong's return to China, the government has adhered strictly to the Basic of Law the HKSAR, and the policy of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy is seriously implemented, she said.

She expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Swire Group in promoting Hong Kong's economy and enhancing economic cooperation between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Liu said she hoped that the company would contribute more to Hong Kong's economic development, livelihood improvement and social stability, and actively participate in the Chinese mainland's economic development and enhance cooperation with the mainland in the aviation field.

Headquartered in London, the Swire Group's core businesses in Hong Kong are held by the Swire Pacific Ltd., which is the largest shareholder of Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong's flag carrier.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2009)