Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Friday that the Central Government will continue to fully support Hong Kong and Macao in dealing with the challenges brought by the global financial crisis.

Hu made the remarks in his respective meetings on Friday afternoon with Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Edmund Ho Hau-wah, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Both Donald Tsang and Edmund Ho Hau-wah are here for a briefing on regional work to the Central Government.

Hu said when meeting with Donald Tsang that Hong Kong has taken a series of effective measures to stimulate economic growth, increase employment, support local enterprises, and to stabilize and regain public confidence in its financial market.

"The central government attaches great importance to the financial and economic stability of Hong Kong, and will continue to fully support the region in properly dealing with the challenges brought by the global financial crisis," he said.

He said the Central Government believes that Hong Kong will be able to turn the challenges into opportunities and maintain prosperity and stability and harmonious development.

In a separate meeting with Edmund Ho Hau-wah, Hu said Macao has achieved remarkable progress in the region's development over the past nine years, and pledged supportive measures for Macao.

"The Central Government will continue to fully support the Macao SAR to overcome difficulties and realize moderately diversified economic development," he said.

Hu also wished a happy new year to the Hong Kong and Macao people during the meetings.

Vice President Xi Jinping, State Councilor Liu Yandong and a few other senior leaders were also present at the meetings.

Hong Kong and Macao, previously colonies separately ruled by the British and Portuguese, respectively returned to China in 1997 and 1999.

The two regions enjoy a high degree of autonomy, maintaining a capitalist economy under the policy of "one country, two systems".

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2008)