His appointment was announced Monday by Premier Wen Jiabao who had earlier been briefed by Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office director Liao Hui on the March 25 election, which Tsang won by 649 votes to 123 votes against pro-democracy challenger Alan Leong Kah-kit.

Wen said the election results met Hong Kong people's expectations and reflected their trust in Tsang.

For his part, Tsang said he was honored by the appointment and pledged not to misplace the trust the central government and the people of Hong Kong had in him.

Wen, who hosted a State Council plenary session Monday, was briefed by Liao on the Hong Kong election.

Wen said the election had conformed with the principle of openness, fairness and justice and fully tallied with the Basic Law and other relevant laws.

He then signed the order reappointing Tsang as the chief executive of the SAR with effect from July 1.

"Tsang's victory in the election meets the Hong Kong people's expectations and reflects their trust in him," Xinhua News Agency quoted Wen as saying after the meeting.

Wen also said Tsang, who succeeded Tung Chee-hwa in June 2005, had turned in an outstanding performance over the past 21 months.

"Tsang has led the Hong Kong government and enhanced its governance, developed its economy, improved the livelihood of the people and actively and properly handled the various problems of public concern," Wen said.

"The performance of his administration has been widely applauded by people from all walks of life."

Wen said the central government hoped Tsang would make greater contributions to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, thoroughly implement the Basic Law and adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems," under which Hong Kong people can administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

Speaking about the reappointment, Tsang, who is currently on leave, said it was a great personal honor and he thanked the central government and the Hong Kong people for their support.

"I have a huge mission. Over the next five years, I will strive to lead the SAR government in a pragmatic manner and to bring Hong Kong's development to a new height. I shall not fail the trust the central government and the people of Hong Kong have placed in me," Tsang said in a statement. He said he hoped everyone would join him to work toward a brighter future for all.

Tsang will fly to the capital Sunday to receive his appointment from Wen. He is also set to meet President Hu Jintao. He will be accompanied to Beijing by the director of the Chief Executive's Office, John Tsang Chun- wah, and information services director Edward Yau Tang-wah.

It is believed while in the capital Tsang will discuss with central leaders his preferred candidates for the posts of chief secretary for administration and financial secretary.

He is also likely to discuss the vacancy that could be left by Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong, who is said to be contemplating retirement when his current term ends on June 30.

Apart from these top SAR appointments, Tsang is also likely to discuss with Beijing officials the universal suffrage green paper he is planning to launch for public discussion this summer as well as the detailed arrangements for state leaders attending Hong Kong's 10th reunification anniversary celebrations on July 1.