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Gary Cheung

Li Ka-shing was given a high-profile reception by President Hu Jintao in Shenzhen yesterday and invited to deliver a speech at the ceremony marking the special economic zone's 30th anniversary.
In a one-on-one meeting beforehand, Hu said he had told Guangdong party secretary Wang Yang  shortly after arriving in Shenzhen on Sunday that he would like to meet the chairman of Cheung Kong (Holdings). 
'After learning that Mr Li would come to Shenzhen, I told Wang Yang that I would like to meet Mr Li. No matter how long the meeting would be, I hoped to have a chat with Mr Li,' the president said. 
Hu praised Li as an outstanding entrepreneur who had contributed to the country's economic reform and modernisation as well as the preservation of Hong Kong's prosperity. 
'Mr Li is an important participant in the economic construction of Shenzhen. I hope Mr Li continues to exercise his influence in future to foster co-operation between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangdong, and play a greater role in preserving Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, as well as the country's reform and modernisation,' Hu said. 
Li was the only person from Hong Kong who was given a separate reception by the president. 
During their meeting, Li, who has hefty investments in the logistics and property sectors in Shenzhen, said Hong Kong's long-term development hinged on a close partnership with mainland cities, particularly those in the south. 
Veteran China-watcher Ching Cheong said the central government wanted to reassure Hong Kong businesspeople it attached great importance to those who had made a huge contribution to the country. 
'Other tycoons have to come to terms with the fact that Li has undisputed weight in the eyes of the central government,' Ching said. 
In another testament to Li's standing, he was given the chance to deliver a speech at the 30th anniversary celebration. 
During the ceremony, televised nationwide, Li said he was proud of the achievements made by Shenzhen and the country in the past three decades. 
Li was one of four business leaders invited to speak at the ceremony. The other three were BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu, China Merchants Holdings (International) chairman Fu Yuning and the chairman of internet giant Tencent Holdings, Pony Ma Huateng.



Hu heaps praise on Li Ka-shing as they meet for a one-on-one