Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on Thursday had a meeting with Hong Kong businessman Tsang Hin Chi and scientists who have received awards from Tsang's foundation for the manned space program.

During the meeting, Jia, who is also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, thanked Tsang for his support and concern about the country's space programs and congratulated the scientists on the awards.

Tsang's awards will play a positive role to encourage more scientists to devote their efforts to the country's manned space programs, Jia said.

In November 2003, Tsang set up his foundation after China launched its first manned spacecraft Shenzhou-5 and awarded the scientists involved.

At a ceremony on Thursday, Tsang issued awards to scientists who participated in the Shenzhou-6 manned space launch.

Liu Yandong, vice Chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee's United Front Department, attended the meeting.

Source: Xinhua