Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, meets the press after the Zhuhai-Macao Cooperation Conference 2015.
The Zhuhai and Macao governments would further the scope of co-operation to include social services, in addition to the current network in specific industries and cross-boundary infrastructure. This is according to the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, who spoke to reporters after the Zhuhai-Macao Co-operation Conference 2015 on 29 April. There are more favourable opportunities to further integrate Macao into regional co-operation, especially following the establishment of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the Hengqin area in Zhuhai of the FTZ, and opportunities brought on by the national development initiatives Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (“Belt and Road”). He said the working groups in different areas of co-operation would meet on a regular basis to press ahead with developments between Zhuhai and Macao. Mr Leong and the Mayor of Zhuhai, Mr Jiang Ling, had signed co-operation agreements on tourism and culture in this year’s meeting held here in Macao. In the Conference, the Government proposed more involvement in investment projects in the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Industrial Park, especially those that started their businesses in Hengqin. This would allow the Government to better understand their situations and difficulties faced in promoting business and to provide more support to companies interested in such projects. Regarding the Hengqin Macao Youth Business Valley, put forward by the Zhuhai government, Mr Leong said there were similar schemes in Macao to facilitate young entrepreneurs. The Government would take a closer look at related legislations and measures to greater complement the two places. To help young people develop in other regions, the Government would provide a string of services such as organising visits for young businessmen to get better grasps on the market, procedures and related regulations, together with financial subsidies. He said his team and the Macao Economic Services would pay extra attention to the situation, offering support to young people while making best use of public funds. Mr Jiang told reporters that both governments would strength co-operation in social affairs, providing more services to Macao residents living in Zhuhai, which was necessary to enhance co-operation mechanisms to boost exchanges in non-government sectors, he said. The Zhuhai-Macao Co-operation Conference formed under the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference in 2008. The two governments will take turn to hold conference in Zhuhai or in Macao each year to facilitate closer partnership and explore more co-operation opportunities.