Macao and Guangdong sign eight pacts

Eight pacts to enhance co-operation between Macao and Guangdong were signed today at the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference 2008 this afternoon. These pacts would boost co-operation in urban planning, education, tourism, traditional Chinese medicine, sports, culture and emergency management. According to a memorandum, Macao and Zhuhai would set up a joint task force to discuss projects of mutual benefits. The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Huang Huahua, led a number of officials to attend the conference. During the conference, Mr Ho said that with the Central Government’s support, Macao and Guangdong have made much progress in their co-operation, especially in lifting people’s livelihood and enhancing economy, culture and education. Mr Ho said that Guangdong’s support to Macao could most notably be seen in solving the shortage of rice earlier this year, and in guaranteeing water supply to Macao. He thanked Mr Huang for the province’s extensive support. Guangdong’s support to the Zhuyin water project and the third water supply pipeline to Macao would safeguard water supply to Macao in the future, he said. Given the ensuing effect of global financial turmoil, Macao and Guangdong should work together in developing their economies. Both sides agreed to deepen co-operation in economy, transportation network and other infrastructure, as well as areas that would benefit their people, such as food safety, water and electricity and environmental protection. He also said that Macao would give its full support to Guangzhou Asian Games 2010 and Shenzhen World Student Games 2011. Macao’s representatives to the conference included the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, and the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io. It was also attended by the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Zhou Bo, and the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao, Ms Gao Yan.