Macao promotes PPRD-ASEAN co-operation

Macao would continue to promote co-operation between members of the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation and Development Forum and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. Mr Ho was delivering a speech during a session with top officials from the PPRD region and the trade and commerce officials from the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ‘Co-operation between the PPRD region and ASEAN would bring plentiful and substantial results,’ Mr Ho said. Mr Ho also underlined Macao’s role as a gateway to the markets of the Portuguese-speaking countries and its willingness to help promote business links among members of PPRD region, ASEAN and the Portuguese-speaking countries. ‘The Portuguese-speaking countries are emerging, providing new opportunities for businesspeople,’ said Mr Ho. He emphasised that in order to better act as a business platform, Macao had to facilitate its business environment and strengthen communication with ASEAN. ‘Macao’s many new business, convention and exhibition facilities would be enchanced, enabling members of the PPRD forum and ASEAN to promote connections,’ he said. ‘We had also enhanced connections with ASEAN, with two Government and business delegations visited four Southeast Asian countries since last October,’ ‘These visits had not only prompted friendship and mutual understanding, but also substantial co-operation in trade, tourism, training of personnel and more.’ He said that ASEAN member countries had reputed advantages in many areas. ‘These advantages can be promoted to members of the PPRD forum and the Portuguese-speaking countries, and Macao should also learn from the ASEAN countries in these aspects,’ Mr Ho said.