The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, pledged today that Macao would strengthen its co-operation with Xinjiang in tourism and education, and to make use of the Macao's international tourism network to promote Xinjiang's abundant tourism resources and boost the development of its tourism industry. Delivering a speech at the China-Eurasia Economic Development and Co-operation Forum in Urumqi, Xinjiang, Mr Chui said Macao would also fully leverage its position as a commercial service platform and actively promote trade and commercial collaboration between Xinjiang and other western regions, and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao would continue to increase cultural and educational exchanges and co-operation aimed at establishing a harmonious relationship between Xinjiang and Macao, he said. The Forum was a co-event of the first China–Eurasia Expo, which was opened this morning by Vice Premier Mr Li Keqiang, Mr Chui and other prominent figures in the region. In his speech, Mr Chui also said that the Expo provided Macao with 'a brand new platform and greater potential for participating in the development of western China, together with Central Asia, Western Asia and Europe. 'With abundant natural resources, Xinjiang has historically played a key role in bridging Eurasia, and continues doing so today. We are pleased to witness the ongoing progress of Xinjiang's economy and community; these achievements are known to the world, and have contributed to improvements in people's lives,' he said. 'Xinjiang's new rise and development are not only important to the prosperity and growth of society, but also significant for expanding the trade and economic co-operation between China and other countries in Central Asia, Western Asia, Southern Asia and Europe, and for promoting harmony, stability and common development in western China. We pay attention to and strive to fully support Xinjiang's development and progress. 'Macao is a special administrative region on the west bank of the Pearl River estuary, with unique characteristics and a service-oriented economy. Since Macao's reunification with the motherland, the fundamental principles of "One country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy have demonstrated great vitality and creativity, resulting in the rapid economic growth and social stability of Macao. 'With full support from the central government, the Macao SAR is quick to seize the opportunities arising from mainland China's vigorous development. By fully leveraging our close relations with Portuguese-speaking and Latin countries and the European Union, we are committed to providing excellent intermediary trade services, and to broadening our horizons for development. 'At present, the Macao SAR is actively implementing the Twelfth Five-year plan, the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta, and the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement. We are also boosting the effectiveness of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Mainland China and Macao (CEPA) and its supplementary protocols, aiming to establish Macao as a world-class travel and leisure centre and a commercial service platform for business co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. 'These administrative measures of the SAR dovetail with the national strategy to ensure Xinjiang is one of China's key gateways to the world, as well as the aims of the China-Asia-Europe Expo. We aim for joint progress in implementing the national policy of regional interaction and co-operation between eastern, central and western China,' he said. Mr Chui toured the exhibition area after attending the Forum. He is scheduled to return to Macao tomorrow.
