The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, meets with the Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, Mr Ni Yuefeng.
Macao today signed an agreement with the General Administration of Customs of China regarding the latter’s support for implementing in Macao the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, who was in Beijing, said application locally of the Certification Scheme – which seeks to regulate international trade in rough diamonds – would advance Macao’s high-value-added commodities sector and bolster the city’s effort in diversifying its economy.
He added the agreement would also help complement further Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
The agreement was signed in the capital by Secretary Leong and Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs, Mr Zou Zhiwu, as witnessed by the Minister of the General Administration of Customs, Mr Ni Yuefeng.
During a meeting with Minister Ni, Secretary Leong conveyed the Chief Executive’s heartfelt gratitude to the General Administration of Customs for its support and guidance. Such support included sending teams of experts to Macao that were crucial in advancing Macao’s facilities and resources in order that the city could fulfil the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme’s requirements.
Mr Ni said the General Administration would continue to support the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in Macao.
He additionally stated the General Administration was looking forward to working closely with the Macao SAR Government in exploring further cooperation, such as measures to make more convenient boundary crossing processes between Macao and the mainland, in view of the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, an international certification scheme that regulates trade in rough diamonds, came into force in 2003, when participating countries started to implement its rules to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds and protect legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
