Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, meets with the former president of the European Commission and former prime minister of Portugal, Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso.
The Government is working diligently – in line with the “Centre and Platform” strategies laid down by the Central Government – to promote further the adequate economic diversification of Macao, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. “Centre and Platform” strategies refer respectively to Macao’s development as a world centre of tourism and leisure, and as an economic and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. Mr Chui made his remarks to Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso, a former president of the European Commission and a former prime minister of Portugal, during Mr Durão Barroso’s visit to Government Headquarters on 19 October. The Chief Executive said Mr Durão Barroso had in those earlier roles made major achievements in propelling relations between Macao, the Portuguese-speaking Countries and European countries. Mr Chui also expressed his gratitude to Mr Durão Barroso for accepting an honorary professorship from the Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM). As well as having discussions on how to boost exchanges between Macao, the Portuguese-speaking Countries and European countries, Mr Chui also briefed Mr Durão Barroso on the present development of Macao. Mr Chui said the current consolidation period for the gaming industry might bring more opportunities to reinforce the pace of adequate economic diversification. To accommodate new development opportunities, the Government would constantly improve its infrastructure and promote a balance between gaming and non-gaming elements, he stated. In the 15 years since Macao returned to Chinese administration, the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region has striven – with the concerted effort of local people – for the successful implementation of the “One country, two systems” policy and for a more prosperous future, Mr Chui added. Mr Durão Barroso said he was pleased to be honoured with a professorship from IPM and hoped to share his experience with various sectors in Macao. He said Macao has achieved a steady development especially in its economy, tourism and infrastructure under the “One country, two systems” principle. Mr Durão Barroso noted the Chief Executive has paid great attention to promoting ties with European countries and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and in training increasing numbers of bilingual professionals. He said he was pleased to be able to make further contributions to the relations between China, Macao, the Portuguese-speaking Countries and the European countries. Officials also attending the meeting included: the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan; the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng; and Consul-General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong, Mr Vítor Sereno.