HONG KONG, Sept. 20(Xinhuanet)-- The United States Consul General in Hong Kong James B. Cunningham noted here Tuesday the role that Hong Kong plays in his country's engagement with China.

"Americans also look at Hong Kong in the context of our engagement with all of China," Cunningham said at a luncheon organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

The Americans see tremendous potential for Hong Kong's continuing to play a vital role as a center for investment and business activity, as a major shipping and aviation hub, and as a premier Asian financial center, Cunningham said.

The United States and Hong Kong work together in combating terrorism, preventing proliferation, and law enforcement, said the consul general.

He commented that Hong Kong's present situation is encouraging as the economy is strong and the major financial houses have been busy readjusting Hong Kong growth estimates upwards.

Cunningham also mentioned that the United States shared the same goals with Chinese central government that they want Hong Kong's stability, prosperity and its attractiveness to foreign investors.

He deemed that Hong Kong is much more than a gateway for business to Chinese mainland and is already developing as a gateway for mainland business going abroad. And it can play an even greater regional role, beyond finance and business. Enditem