Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) waves next to Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang during an economic forum in Hong Kong August 17, 2011. [Edmond Tang/chinadaily.com.cn]

HONG KONG - RMB bond issuing will be regular in Hong Kong, Vice-premier of State Council Li Keqiang on Wednesday morning announced in his keynote speech in a forum about the 12th five-year plan and economic and trade cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong.

The issue size of RMB bonds will also be increased gradually, Li said, noting the size of the upcoming issue has reached 20 billion yuan.

It is to support Hong Kong's position as offshore RMB center, he added.

In addition, the central government will allow mainland enterprises to issue RMB bonds in Hong Kong and expand it issue size.

Li noted that RMB deposits in Hong Kong have experienced a two-year fast growth and reached 550 billion yuan. He expected the number to further increase in this year, he said when taking a question after the speech.

He noted that RMB is becoming a major currency in international currency system, which is also one of the priority strategies in the state's 12th five year plan. He called on Hong Kong to seize the opportunity.

The Vice-premier also put forward a number of arrangements to support Hong Kong's economic and financial developments, including allowing Hong Kong stocks ETF listed in the Mainland, allowing small QFII to let RMB capital in Hong Kong flow back to the Mainland.

Central government also supports Hong Kong to participant into international and regional cooperation, Li said in his speech.

Recent focus will be supporting Hong Kong to take part in regional cooperation in East Asia, he added.

Li believes Hong Kong will play an important part in the nation’s 12th five year plan.

Central government will do its best to help Hong Kong, the Vice-premier promised.

Li later attended the signing ceremony of economic and trade cooperation project, as well as the issuing ceremony of the 20 billion yuan RMB bond.

Li had breakfast with the former Chief Executive of the SAR Tung Chee-hwa at his hotel in Wan Chai earlier today.