HONG KONG - The spirit of being hardworking, unity and innovation is vital to the future of Hong Kong, Chinese President Hu Jintao said?Saturday, encouraging local people to carry it forward.

Calling Hong Kong "a place where miracles happen," Hu said the spiritual strength that Hong Kong compatriots have forged over the years was behind the success of the world-renowned metropolis.

The fact that the city still faces increasingly fierce competition and daunting challenges "requires the Hong Kong people to carry forward this same spirit," the visiting president said while addressing a welcoming dinner hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). ?

In his speech broadcast live, Hu urged some 7 million Hong Kong people to stand together in the face of difficulties, work hard with tenacity and confidence and use their wisdom and diligence to build better lives.

"They should remain daring and enterprising no matter what difficulties may come their way," he said, urging the people to take up the due responsibility of managing, building and developing Hong Kong. ?

Hu called for more cooperation, consultation and inclusiveness in the Hong Kong society, as well as greater care and support for the grass roots, the poor and the vulnerable.

He also urged Hong Kong to carry forward the spirit of making innovation and adapting to changes in a flexible way amid economic globalization and the global adjustment of industrial structure.

"Hong Kong compatriots should make good use of the two markets and resources of both the mainland and the world, work hard to maintain and strengthen Hong Kong's existing advantages, foster new areas of economic growth and enhance the capacity to overcome risks," he said.

Hu arrived here Friday to attend celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the new HKSAR government. This is the third time he visits the HKSAR.