国内英语新闻:Vice president urges HK business group to contribute to regional development

BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged the Hong Kong-based Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) to increase support for the local government and further contribute to regional economic development.

"Hong Kong's current situation is good in general, but it also faces many challenges. As an important patriotic group, the CGCC should shoulder its responsibilities to ensure and boost the region's prosperity and stability," Xi said in Beijing while meeting a visiting CGCC delegation.

Xi noted that the group had been making great contributions to Hong Kong and the mainland by actively participating in the region's social affairs and economic development.

Xi said Hong Kong had overcome problems created by the global financial crisis, and was undergoing a strong economic revival.

Xi also said that the central government had been taking effective measures to support the region's economic development and improve local people's livelihoods.

The CGCC, founded in 1900, is one of the oldest and largest non-profit organizations of local Chinese firms and businessmen in Hong Kong. It has more than 6,000 members.

The delegation was led by CGCC chairman Jonathan Choi Koon-shum.