China's central government called on January 12 the Policy Address for 2005 delivered by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa a "prudent and practical" one.

"We believe this is an address that has well taken into accountof public opinion. It is a prudent and practical address," said a spokesman with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council.

Tung delivered the Policy Address for 2005 at the Legislative Council Wednesday afternoon, focusing on economic development and social harmony.

The spokesman said in the past year, with vigorous support of the Central Government, the HKSAR government with Tung as the head had led all communities of the society to bring about economic recovery in Hong Kong and smoothly carry out the election of the third-term Legislative Council.

"We firmly believe that in the new year, the HKSAR government and people of all circles in Hong Kong will be of one heart and mind, be magnanimous to each other and work jointly to maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and promote the continuous development of Hong Kong's economy and social progress," said the spokesman.

Source: Xinhua