Politicians, academics and people from all walks of life have applauded Vice-Premier Li Keqiang’s whirlwind visit, saying it augurs well for the future and reflects the great importance the central government attaches to the city and the confidence it has placed in Hong Kong people.

The general view is that they are very much impressed by the accomplishments arising from the visit as evidenced by the slew of economic and financial measures unveiled by the state leader to boost the economy and fuel cross-border cooperation in all fields.

Lawmaker Ip Kwok-him of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) said Li had brought a basket of gifts for Hong Kong in terms of economic gain and improving the people’s livelihood.

Ip, who is also a National People’s Congress deputy, noted that the expansion of renminbi services and business liberalization measures are of particular interest, describing them as solid steps as outlined in the National 12th Five-Year Plan to support Hong Kong’s development and its position as a leading financial center. The measures also include quality and price controls for vital foodstuffs imported into Hong Kong.

“These measures reflect the central government’s care and concern for Hong Kong,” he said.

Another DAB legislator, Chan Kam-lam, said the vice-premier has shown himself to be “easy going” and approachable judging from his encounters with ordinary people.

Chan said we was most impressed by the moves to reap maximum benefits for Hong Kong under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), offering Hong Kong enterprises greater opportunities in the mainland market.

“Never before have there been so many benefits and on such a scale that the central government has brought to Hong Kong,” he said. “This shows the central government has a very clear direction for the future development of Hong Kong.”

Sung Lap-kung, academic coordinator at the City University, said the depth and breadth of the measures revealed came as a pleasant surprise and were warmly welcomed by the business community.

From the country’s point of view, he said, it is a strategic move to establish Hong Kong as a buffer and to strengthen the city’s position as a “money pool” at a time when the renminbi is growing in importance.

“It is a two-way arrangement that not only benefits Hong Kong but also the mainland, indicating the central government still attaches great importance to Hong Kong as an international center,” Sung said.

The vice-premier, in his speeches and remarks in conversations, repeatedly stressed the importance of taking care of the grassroots and the under-privileged. Sung predicted that Li’s placing emphasis on those issues would prompt Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen to respond by launching initiatives on housing, controlling inflation and dealing with other issues affecting the livelihood of Hong Kong people, in his next policy address.

Sung added that the vice-premier has projected himself as an open, positive and approachable person who has won over the hearts of Hong Kong people, and this will also help improve the image of other state leaders in Hong Kong.

Stanley Lau Chin-ho, vice-chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, welcomed the visit as one that will provide a major stimulus to the local economy. He noted that the economic measures unveiled are aimed at lifting the financial, trade and service industries and the benefits will be considerable.

“These measures, especially those aimed at developing Hong Kong into an offshore renminbi center, will help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a   n international financial center,” Lau said.