China's Vice-Premier Li Keqiang attends a celebration ceremony marking the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, Aug 18, 2011. [Edmond Tang/chinadaily.com.cn]

HONG KONG - The central government will set up a dedicated fund to aid 1,000 HKU teachers and students to visit the mainland every year, starting in 2012, visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang said here on Thursday.

Li Keqiang attended and addressed a celebration ceremony marking the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Hong Kong University (HKU) Thursday morning.

Li announced that the central government will set up a dedicated fund to aid 1,000 HKU teachers and students to visit the mainland every year, starting in 2012. Besides, other universities in Hong Kong are encouraged to cooperate with mainland universities in order to promote educational and technological sectors in the two sides to grow together.

"The prosperity of Hong Kong and the nation requires thousands of talented people who master modern technologies and are familiar with current situation of the country. Therefore, cooperation on education between the two sides is needed," said Li.

He said the HKU has nurtured over 130,000 alumni, including Chinese revolution forerunner Sun Yat-sen in the past century. Those talented people with professional skills and integrity have made great contributions to Hong Kong's prosperity and the nation's development.

According to Li, the HKU has yielded a rich harvest of academic success. While nurturing professionals, the HKU has continued broadening the aspects of academic research. Many fields of studies, including medical studies, have reached the world top level.

By fully applying the advantage of connecting the east and the west, the HKU has become one of the top universities in the world, which is the honor of Hong Kong as well as the nation, said Li.

On behalf of the central government, Li extended warm congratulations to the centennial anniversary of the founding of the HKU and sent best wishes to teachers and students of the university and its overseas alumni.