Macao and the Mainland today signed Supplement VI to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), giving yet more favourable terms to Macao’s businesses on the Mainland. The supplement is comprised of 31 measures, including relaxing the market access conditions in 18 sectors of trade in services, facilitating trade and investment and pushing the recognition of professional qualifications. The signing ceremony was held at Government Headquarters today and was witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah. Macao’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam, and Mainland’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Jiang Zengwei, signed the agreement. Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Mr Tam said the supplement would benefit the diversification of Macao’s industrial portfolio and sustainable development. In terms of trade in services, the Mainland would further relax restrictions for Macao companies to conduct business in 41 sectors, with the companies in research and development sector the new beneficiaries. The supplement stipulated that Macao MICE companies would be able to organise exhibitions in more cities and provinces. For the tourism sector, Mainland tourists visiting Taiwan could stop over in Macao. Moreover, eligible Macao tour guides could work on the Mainland. Medical professionals could start health care services businesses as individuals and practise on the Mainland after passing the required examination. In regards trade and investment facilitation, Macao and Mainland would further co-operate in protecting intellectual property rights and trademarks. Before the signing ceremony, Mr Tam and Mr Jiang held the meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of CEPA.
