The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met with the President of the European Commission, Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso, on the afternoon of 10 January afternoon (local time) at the Headquarters of the EU where they agreed to step up co-operations in a wide range of areas. In the meeting, Mr Chui introduced the latest social and economic developments of Macao SAR to the President Barroso. Mr Chui told the press after the meeting that both sides had reviewed the work and achievements of co-operation in the past, and they had also agreed to enhance co-operation in future business activity, higher education, culture and creative industry and environmental protection. Asked by reporters if he would visit the EU again, Mr Chui replied that this visit had successfully broadened co-operation in all aspects, adding that he would visit EU again if required President Barroso, who met the media separately, said the meeting with Mr Chui was very important and fruitful. He also said that the outstanding economic development of Macao is a successful example of the world's economic development. Learning from Mr Chui, the Macao Government had spared no effort in boosting the diversification of Macao's economy and EU is willing to work with the Macao Government to jointly promote this work, said the President Barroso. He said he was happy to see EU and Macao strengthen the exchange in culture and higher education. Before the meeting with President Barroso, Mr Chui also met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs of Belgium, Mr Didier Reynders. The Chief of the Office of the Chief Executive and the Macao Government Spokesman, Mr Tam Chon Weng, told reporters that the Chief Executive has briefed the Belgium officials on the latest economic development of the Macao SAR, especially the co-operations with the Guangdong province to achieve the aim of diversification of Macao's economy. Both sides agreed to seek for greater economic co-operation, especially to encourage Belgian businessmen to invest in Macao as well as Chinese and Macao businessmen to invest in Belgium, said Mr Tam. He said that Mr Chui had invited Mr Didier Reynders to visit Macao in June during his official trip to China. Mr Chui will meet with the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mr Libor Roucek tomorrow.
