BEIJING - President Hu Jintao said that the current overall situation in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) is good, urging both regions to ensure future prosperity and seek benefits for their citizens.

Hu made the remarks while hearing work reports from the chief executives of the two SARs, expressing his appreciation for the work of the HKSAR and Macao SAR governments this year.

While meeting Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Hu said that Hong Kong sustained steady economic growth as well as a comparatively low unemployment rate.

Hu said the policy address of the Hong Kong SAR government actively responded to people's appeals and put forward a number of policies to improve their livelihoods that won positive public feedback.

He hopes that Donald Tsang and the HKSAR government continue to work wholeheartedly to fulfill their duties in the remaining term and lay a solid foundation for the long-term stability and prosperity of the HKSAR.

"The central government is satisfied with the work of Tsang and the HKSAR government," Hu said.

In a separate meeting with Macao SAR Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On, the president said that Macao maintained rapid economic growth and a harmonious and stable society last year.

"The Macao SAR government improved its administrative capabilities and implemented effective measures in a timely manner to alleviate people's living pressure brought by the inflation," Hu said.

Hu expressed his hope that the Macao SAR government would strive to promote sound and fast development of Macao to improve people's livelihoods in the coming year.