BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday the central government would work to promote cooperation and exchange between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.

The central government will boost cooperation between Hong Kong, Macao and neighboring Guangdong Province, Wen said while meeting with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) chief executive Donald Tsang and Macao SAR chief executive Fernando Chui Sai On in two separate occasions in Beijing .

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Donald Tsang, chief executive of the Hong Kong special administrative region, in Beijing, Dec 23, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

While drafting the 12th Five-Year Plan, a key plan for China's economic and social development,the central government will take into account the advice from HKSAR and Macao SAR, Wen said.

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"The central government will stick to the principles of 'one country, two systems,' 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong,' and 'Macao people governing Macao,' while giving a high degree of autonomy to the two special administrative regions," he said.

The central government will support the HKSAR government governing in line with the Basic Law, Wen said in his meeting with Tsang.

The central government will also support Hong Kong reinforce its position as a financial, trade and shipping center, he said.

In the coming year, the HKSAR government should strictly follow the changes in the international economy and carefully handle the impact of the global financial crisis, so as to maintain a stable financial business while taking part in international competition, he said.

Hong Kong should also work to improve people's livelihood and settle economic and social development problems, he said.

When meeting with Chui, Wen said he hoped the Macao SAR would improve its governance in the coming year.

During both meetings, Premier Wen expressed his appreciation for the work of the HKSAR and Macao SAR governments this year.

This year, Hong Kong made great efforts coping with the global financial crisis, improving economy and people's livelihood, maintaining social stability, and promoting economic cooperation with the mainland, Wen said.

Macao also worked hard to improve governance, boost its economy, raise people's living standards, and cooperate with the mainland, he said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Fernando Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao special administrative region, in Beijing, Dec 23, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]