Macao should make full use of the favourable conditions of the "Outline of the 12th Five-Year Plan for the National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China" (the 12-5 Plan), implement the policies supported by the Central Government and dedicate for the Macao's prosperous future. This was stated by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya, when he met with representatives from all walks of life this afternoon at the Macao Cultural Centre. On the second day of his trip to Macao, Mr Wang exchanged views on issues which ranged from housing, career development for young people and women, assisting the development of the Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises, (SMEs), enhancing customs clearance, and commodity and food prices. Mr Wang was accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Bai Zhaijian. Mr Wang re-affirmed Macao's various sectors had contributed much to the prosperity of Macao's economy and the society after Macao reverted to China. He said he hoped Macao people would continue to work together and create a harmonious society. Earlier in the morning Mr Wang attended a briefing by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, on the latest development of land reclamation in Taipa granted by the Central Government, on the rooftop of the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau at Taipa, which gave him a panoramic view of Macao and Taipa. Afterwards, Mr Wang inspected the site of public housing being built at Coloane where Mr Lau showed him the planning of this large-scale public housing project. In other to have more chances to meet the people, and accompanied by the Chief of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, Mr Wang went to the old districts of Macao peninsular where he talked with store owners and tasted some snacks which were on sale. Mr Wang said that the Central Government was concerned with the effect of inflation in Hong Kong and Macao, and that the Central Government would seek more import channels to try to reduce the prices of commodities. Mr Wang also visit an elderly services centre to get a better understanding on services for the aged.
