Hong Kong shares started with healthy gains Wednesday morning following a positive lead from Wall Street and as Premier Li Keqiang called on regional governments to work to boost economic growth.

The Hang Seng Index added 0.83 percent to 19,996.

The Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.13 percent to 3,282, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on the mainland's second exchange rose 0.12 percent to 2,230. (AFP)