The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, meets with the Minister of Commerce, Mr Zhong Shan.
The Government is devoting its fullest effort to integrating Macao’s development with overall national development, as policies outlined in the latest work report presented by Premier Li Keqiang.
Macao’s effort included contribution to the forthcoming China International Import Expo, in Shanghai. The Government was pleased to have been invited to join the event, said today the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On.
Mr Chui made the comments in Beijing during a meeting with the Minister of Commerce, Mr Zhong Shan, to exchange views on how to strengthen economic and trade ties between the mainland and Macao; and to discuss the city’s participation in the Expo, which is to be held in November.
Mr Zhong said the Central Government paid great attention to the Expo, a significant event for opening the Chinese market to the world. The Ministry of Commerce was looking forward to Macao’s participation in the Expo.
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, presented at the meeting the latest information about Macao’s preparation for the Expo. He said the Government was diligently pursuing this, as well as pushing forward work relating to, respectively, the Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA); regional cooperation; and Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (known as “Platform” policy).
The Government proposed the setting up of a Macao pavilion in each of several exhibition halls at the Expo. This would involve participation from: enterprises that make their products in Macao; local brands; Macao agents selling products from Portuguese-speaking countries; the tourism sector; the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry; and entities involved in language training or consultancy.
Mr Zhong said the Ministry of Commerce was pleased to assist Macao in order to help the city integrate its work with strategies for national development.
During the meeting, the Chief Executive expressed the Government’s gratitude to the Ministry for long-term support in relation to: CEPA policies and CEPA supplementary agreements; strategies of national development; the safety of food imported to Macao; public health matters; and guidance regarding quarantine and inspection issues.
Mr Chui briefed Mr Zhong on Macao’s overall economic development during the past year, including how the revenues of the city’s gaming industry had experienced steady growth after a period of adjustment.
Under the guidance of the Central Government, the Government had been working diligently to transform Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and to develop its “Platform” policy, Mr Chui noted.
Meanwhile, the Government had been pressing ahead with planning regarding management of the 85 square kilometres of waters surrounding Macao that are under Macao’s administration, in order to diversify the city’s economy, he added.
The Government would also strive to create better conditions for Macao people either starting a business, or in employment. The Government looked forward to the continued support of the Ministry, Mr Chui added.
Officials attending the meeting included: the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Representative Office of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai; the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Ms Lei Ut Mui; and the Chairman of Macau Investment and Development Limited, Ms Lu Hong.
Officials of the Ministry of Commerce present at the meeting included: Vice Minister, Ms Gao Yan; the Director of the Comprehensive Department, Mr Zhe Shijia; and the Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ma Jianchun.
