The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, speaks to reporters.
The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today said – as he set off for a two-day visit to Shanghai – that closer Macao-Shanghai ties would produce reciprocal benefits for the two places.
Effort on this included in particular the expansion of cooperation on MICE business (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions); cultural affairs; medical and health sector services; and the training of civil servants, he added.
Macao would continue to assist Shanghai businesses to explore opportunities in Portuguese-speaking countries, Mr Chui told reporters this morning at the airport.
The Government envisioned great development potential via stronger Macao-Shanghai ties, given that Shanghai – positioned as a key hub for the Yangtze River Economic Zone – had already been developed as a centre for financial services, maritime transport, and other economic and trade functions; while Macao was pressing ahead with its development as a world centre of tourism and leisure and as a commercial and trade cooperationservice platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
The Government spared no effort in integrating further its own efforts with the drive for regional cooperation, so as to engage Macao people and enterprises in the national development process, stated Mr Chui.
The two cities had a long history of close relations. Such ties included Shanghai sending experienced doctors to Macao in order to train a greater number of medical professionals. The two cities had also signed in 2012 a memorandum on strengthening financial cooperation in relation to the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and on mutual contributions to the process of internationalising the use of the renminbi.
During his two-day visit to Shanghai, Mr Chui is due to meet leaders of Shanghai Municipality in order to review current cooperation and explore further ties. He will attend an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Tai Fung Bank and the launch of the institution’s Shanghai branch. The Chief Executive said he also looked forward to gaining a better understanding of Shanghai’s urban planning system.
In other comments, Mr Chui stressed the Government dedicated all possible effort to protecting Macao’s cultural heritage. The Government did not – and would not – do anything to affect negatively the Historic Centre of Macao.
The Government has maintained constant and close touch with experts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and had often invited UNESCO experts to Macao to understand better the work being done by Macao regarding heritage protection.
The Government did not believe there was any risk of Macao being taken off the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO and the Government aimed to protect properly Macao’s heritage sites, added Mr Chui.
It was common for local associations and non-profit groups to share their opinions with UNESCO, Mr Chui stated. Such initiatives were recognised by the Government as being aimed at better protecting the city’s cultural heritage. Such expressions of opinion facilitated the Government’s work, he added.
In addition, Mr Chui said the Government had received a proposal regarding amendment of the Land Law. It was presented by two members of the Legislative Assembly. Departments reporting to the Secretary for Administration and Justice were analysing the proposal and would release their findings in due course.
Regarding the planning of public housing, Mr Chui said the Government was determined to use plots in Avenida Wai Long in Taipa for such accommodation. The decision followed several studies on legal matters relating to the site.
Departments under the Secretary for Transport and Public Works were working on the project’s planning, which includes an environmental analysis, said Mr Chui. The Government would spare no effort in making better use of the area for the benefit of the public, he added.
Those accompanying the Chief Executive to Shanghai included: the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; and the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng.