Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On (left, centre), meets with the Secretary of CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee, Mr Ruan Chengfa, the Governor, Mr Wan Yong, in Wuhan.
The country’s strategy in building the “Belt and Road” and Macao’s long-term development pattern and social achievements would bring a bright future for Macao, the Vice Premier, Mr Wang Yang, said today. Meeting the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On in Wuhan during the 9th Central China Investment and Trade Expo (Expo Central China 2015), Mr Wang said he was optimistic in the future of Macao because of the strong support from the Central Government and the country’s development strategy in the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (“Belt and Road”), along with Macao’s own vitality and capability. In views of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, a number of co-operation projects were realised in the country’s 12th Five-Year Plan which outlined the 2011-2015 development blueprint, such as the development of Hengqin in Zhuhai. Other projects would be moved forward in the 13th Five-Year Plan for 2016-2020; Mr Wang said it was more than a Guangdong-Macao co-operation, but a strategic move in national development. In the meeting, Mr Chui thanked Mr Wang for supporting Macao, especially during last year’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting, 24-hour boundary crossing at checkpoints connecting Macao and Zhuhai, and the work on specifying Macao’s jurisdiction over its customary waters, which is expected to be completed this year. He said the Government would press ahead with turning Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, working in line with adequate economy diversification, and promotion of regional economic development and integration. To follow the Central Government’s policy direction, the Macao Government would strive to fortify commercial and trade ties in all aspects with the Portuguese-speaking countries. After meeting Mr Wang, the Chief Executive proceeded to meet with the Secretary of CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee, Mr Ruan Chengfa, and the Governor, Mr Wan Yong, to exchange views on high-end services, tourism, culture, and trade co-operation. Mr Chui said promoting a multi-destination travel model would bolster bilateral development; the Government would take into consideration setting up a contact office in Wuhan to enhance exchanges with places in Central China. Prior to the meetings, Mr Chui attended the opening of the Expo and visited the Wuhan City Planning Museum to learn of its latest development. Mr Chui will attend the tourism event promoting Macao “Experience Macao – Fujian” tomorrow in Fujian Province. Among those with Mr Chui in the meeting were the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; member of the Standing Committee of Hubei Committee People's Political Consultative Conference and Vice President of the Office for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Foreign Affairs, Mr Ma Io Hang and Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping.
