Xi's message was read at a forum celebrating the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Central Liaison Office director Peng Qinghua said Xi's message showed the central government values Hong Kong.

Speaking at the same event yesterday, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said Hong Kong will play its part in full to match the development of the mainland.

Tsang said Hong Kong will continue to maintain its status as a metropolitan city, further develop its strength in finance, and contribute to the development of the Pearl River Delta.

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Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference vice chairman Tung Chee-hwa said the wisdom and effort of Hong Kong people have been well used in the development of the nation over the past 60 years.

Meanwhile, as a prelude to next Thursday's National Day celebrations, the less well off are to get free meals worth HK$1 million, thanks to the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce's "Caring Campaign."

Chamber chairman Jonathan Choi Koon-shum said 13,000 set meal coupons will be given to the Social Welfare Department for distribution.

People who use Food Bank services will benefit, Choi said.

"Apart from Food Bank users, the coupons will also be distributed to families receiving CSSA and the unemployed. The department will decide how to distribute them," he said.

"We have discussed with the coupon providers to make sure users do not have to pay extra if they consume solely the food listed on the coupons.

"There'll be no charge on tea and sauces as practiced in Chinese restaurants, for example."

Meanwhile, 10,000 boxes of lotus seed paste-egg yolk mooncakes made by supporting enterprises will be distributed to community centers throughout 11 districts, to help celebrate the Mid- Autumn Festival.

The chamber set up the "Caring Campaign" to help those affected by the global financial crisis since September last year.