Hong Kong, Macao strengthens co-operation

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, and the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Mr Tsang Chun-wah, today jointly chaired the Hong Kong and Macao co-operation meeting in Macao. During the meeting, the two of them, together with leading officials from the two cities, expressed the desire to further enhance co-operation and study the feasibility of extending joint projects in new areas. Recently the Guangdong Provincial Government had brought up an idea of strengthening the regional co-operation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Mr Tam said Macao would give full support, and working closely with Hong Kong would definitely facilitate co-operation in three areas. He said significant results and progress were achieved, especially after liaison and follow-up mechanisms had been set up in 16 different co-operative areas. Meanwhile, facilitation of immigration clearance and extension of stay for Hong Kong and Macao residents were focal points in the meeting. Experts would jointly work out a practical plan by the end of this year. On tourism, tourism bodies from both sides agreed to set up regular meetings, and to join hands in promoting tourism. On environmental collaboration, Mr Tam said the 2008 Macao International Environment Co-operation Forum and Exhibition held in April for the first time, would be regarded as platform to work with Hong Kong in protecting the environment. On labour matters, they agreed to set up a notification and compensation mechanism for industrial accidents and to strengthen work safety performance. They also agreed to increase co-operation in professional training for civil servants, education, building of intercity transportation, public health and heritage conservation, among other areas. The Chief of Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On and the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, Mr Law Chi-kong reviewed the work done in the past six months and gave an update on the latest co-operation development. During their visit to Macao, Mr Tsang paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan.