Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index closes 1.09 pct lower

Hong Kong Hang Seng Index edged down 1.09 percent on Friday to close at 25,388.35 points.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dropped 1.16 percent to end at 9,150.49 points, and the Hang Seng Tech Index fell 1.13 percent to end at 5,677.90 points.

China's top political advisor Wang Huning has met with delegates attending the 11th national congress of the Taoist Association of China, which was held on Monday and Tuesday in Beijing.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, stressed the importance of implementing the Party's basic policy on religious affairs, and of guiding followers and key figures of Taoism to contribute to the country's modernization drive.

Wang urged the association to exercise full and rigorous governance over the religion, intensify efforts to raise awareness of the rule of law, and foster an image of a Taoist community that is patriotic and devoted to the faith, maintains good conduct, abides by the law, and upholds Taoist precepts.

He encouraged the association to cultivate talent proficient in both canonical teachings and fine traditional Chinese culture, and to expand global exchange in Taoism.