CE: Widen collaboration with PPRD region

Macao would actively dedicate its advantageous condition to participate in the co-operation between the Pan Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region to tackle global financial crises, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. Mr Ho was conveying this message in his keynote address to the Fifth PPRD Regional Co-operation and Development Forum and Economic and Trade Co-operation Fair held in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. He quoted the Premier Wen Jiabao’s earlier saying that one country alone could not fight these severe financial crises solely. “We have to work together to propel collaboration inside the country and with foreign countries. “Firstly, the co-operation between the region may help to overcome one’s weakness. In this way we may minimize the impacts and to create friendly atmosphere to revitalize the economy,” said Mr Ho. He said Macao’s economy was basically optimistic and the society was relatively stable, yet the exports of services and goods were facing different challenges that caused a slight drop in economical figures. Mr Ho stressed that it was essential to discuss how to cope with global financial crises in this forum. The National Development and Reform Commission announced the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-2010) that included Macao. Mr Ho said the Outline was an important guideline for the future development of Macao. “The Outline stated that Macao’s role could be developed as a world-class tourism-leisure position to promote regional collaboration. Due to limited resources, Macao’s tourism should integrate with that of the PPRD region.” Mr Ho said that the Macao Government would continue to perfect legislation, to step up training, and to optimise market. Moreover, the 2009 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition had successfully established a platform for the PPRD region and European countries to exchange green views. Mr Ho also attended several investment contracts signing ceremonies.