Top political adviser Jia Qinglin begins his three-day Hong Kong visit today, which is expected to launch a series of measures boosting local economic development.

Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, will attend the third anniversary of CEPA, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, a free trade pact within China issued by Premier Wen Jiabao in 2003.

Jia will also officiate at the opening ceremony of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Trade and Economic Co-operation Forum on Thursday, delivering a key note speech.

Jia's itinerary also includes tours of key financial institutions and infrastructure projects, such as a container terminal.

Liao Xiaoqi, vice-minister of commerce, told reporters earlier in Beijing that his ministry will further enrich the contents of CEPA.

The vice-minister said further co-operation between the mainland and special administrative regions is expected to lead to breakthroughs in areas covering intellectual property rights protection, energy conservation and environmental protection.

He noted that co-operation in the Pan-Pearl River Delta area is highlighted. According to Hong Kong media, the third complementary agreements of CEPA are expected to be signed during Jia's stay.

It is reported that under the third phase of CEPA the legal sector, tourism, architectural services, telecommunications, banking and transport industries will be allowed to set up business on the mainland.

Observers noted that Jia's Hong Kong visit, the first after becoming member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee is of great significance and has again showed the emphasis and support the central government provides to Hong Kong.

CEPA has operated smoothly since its launch in January 2004 and two complementary agreements have been signed since then.

(China Daily 06/27/2006 page2)