Twelfth EC-Macao Joint Committee

The 12th EC-Macao Joint Committee meeting, and the 6th since China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Macao on 20 December 1999, took place in Macao on 6 February 2007. Both sides reviewed their respective domestic developments. The EC emphasized its support for the full implementation of the Macao SAR's Basic Law. It reaffirmed the positive conclusions of its 2005 Annual Report on the Macao Special Administrative Region, published on 6 September 2006 and, in particular, welcomed the ongoing consolidation of the Region's governmental institutions and the successful inscription of Historic Centre of Macao on United Nation’s World Heritage list. The EC noted the sustainable economic growth in the Macao SAR and acknowledged Macao's continuous efforts to further diversify its economy. Macao was informed of recent developments following EU enlargement, including on energy and environment policy, the Constitutional Treaty, and economic developments. Both sides examined the state of their bilateral relations, in the light of the Commission's Communication The EU, Hong Kong and Macao: possibilities for co-operation 2007-2013. They emphasized their commitment to co-operate closely on issues of mutual interest. Within the framework of the WTO, they welcomed the re-launching of the negotiations and committed to work towards the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda. They welcomed the smooth implementation of the EC-Macao Readmission Agreement which was signed on 13 October 2003 and looked forward to strengthen co-operation in this area.
They also expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of EC-Macao co-funded project that enhanced the development of Macao's legal system. Finally, they expressed their willingness to explore new areas of co-operation. The 13th EC-Macao Joint Committee meeting will be held in the second half of 2007 and the date will be determined later.