Chinese President Hu Jintao Monday encouraged Hong Kong's richest man to play a greater role in the country's reform and opening up as well as modernization.

Hu made the remarks in his meeting with Li Ka-shing, chairman of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited, on the sidelines of a rally in Shenzhen Monday to mark the city's 30th anniversary as China's first economic reform zone.

"Mr. Li is a witness to the development of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone as well as an important participant in building it," Hu said.

He called on Li to continue to use his influence to boost Hong Kong's cooperation with Guangdong and Shenzhen and to help maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

Hu said Li was an outstanding member of Hong Kong's commerce and industry community, who had contributed to the country and Hong Kong.

The country's development had created a unique opportunity for Hong Hong and its businesses, said Li.

"I will would work with all my heart and strength to boost cooperation between Hong Hong and the Mainland and to contribute to the prosperity of the country and Hong Kong," he said.

Also present at the meeting were Vice Premier Wang Qishan, Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Wang Yang, secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee.