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Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2016 kicks off today To explore opportunities and impact brought by new consumption patterns on tourism economic development
The annual renowned international event for the tourism industry, Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2016 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) was inaugurated today (15 October) at 3:00 p.m. at Studio City Macau. Themed as “The Growing Consumer Class – Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape”, the fifth edition gathers over 120 ministerial officials, leaders of globally‐leading corporations, as well as experts and scholars to zero in on how this rising resourceful and tech-savvy group is more than ever the increasingly influential force in the tourism industry. This edition is attended by over 1000 delegates from many countries and cities around the world, including delegations from the Forum’s Partner Country France and Partner City Beijing Municipality, and covered by more than 150 international and local media representatives. The opening ceremony was officiated by dignitaries including Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman; Mr. Wang Qinmin, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Chan Hoi Fan, Acting Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region and Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao SAR Government; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Li Jinzao, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matthias Fekl, French Minister for Tourism; Ms. Cheng Hong, Vice Mayor of Beijing Municipal Government; Ms. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities; Mr. Gusztáv Bienerth, Government Commissioner for Tourism of Hungary; Mr. U Ohn Maung, Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar; Mr. Yao Jian, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Ye Dabo, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Long Yongtu, Former Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People’s Republic of China and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Matías Santos Crocsel, Chief of Advisor of the Ministry of Tourism of Argentina; Mr. Tith Chantha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia; Mr. Timur Toktabayev, Vice Minister of Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Mr. Savankhone Razmountry, Vice Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Ms. Anastancia Ndhlovu, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe; Mr. Liang Jianyong, Vice Governor of Fujian Province, China; Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF; Mr. Gerald Lawless, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, and Mr. Andrew Jones, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF, among others. Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and GTEF Chairman, remarked, “Tourism is an economic activity beneficial to the society, an industry peacefully bridging the world together, and a core industry promoting regional cooperation and connectivity under our Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nowadays, our Nation’s ‘Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ policy further unleashes the society’s enormous innovative energy, and leverages the rapid Internet and technological development to create the New Normal for enriching the sustainable development of tourism economy, and bring unprecedented changes to the traditional tourism ecosystem for fostering a deepened and widened tourism development.” Ms. Chan Hoi Fan, Acting Chief Executive of Macao SAR and Secretary for Administration and Justice, stated, “2016 is the year for the Macao SAR Government to map out its first five-year development plan for the city and start putting it into practice. In order to transform Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, we have to closely combine and fully unleash our cultural and geographical advantages as well as the privileges we enjoy under the policy of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. In light of this, we are eager to push forward regional and international tourism cooperation based upon our sound cooperative relations with different destinations along the way, and make new contributions to foster tourism and economic growth in the region and the world.” “To enhance sustainable tourism development, we need tourism innovations which go in line with the global trends nowadays. GTEF hence keeps abreast with the latest prospect and invites heavyweights and professionals from different sectors to share their wisdom and foresight. I hope that this Forum edition not only will offer inspirations for tourism leaders, experts and scholars from around the world, but also will propose a clear direction and practical suggestions which will enhance sustainable economic and tourism development in Macao and the world.” Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, stated in his congratulatory message, “Macao never ceases to astonish me. It is a wonderful melting pot for cultures and traditions of East and West, fused into a dynamic and forward-thinking city. The Global Tourism Economy Forum and UNWTO are strong partners and I am delighted to be with you all again. This annual forum is an opportunity to look into the opportunities, challenges and economic benefits facing tourism development in Asia and the Pacific. I always praise this forum for its unique ability to bring Asia to the world and the world to Asia." As an integral part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area, Macao has been an East-meets-West cultural hub which is dedicated to promoting moderate diversification of its tourism-driven economy as the city forges ahead with the goal to become a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” as well as a “commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries”. Offering key reference and directions for the development of the global tourism and tourism-related industries, GTEF demonstrates Macao's capabilities to organize international mega events as a major international platform across regions, sectors and industries. In addition, the Forum serves to consolidate and enhance Macao's status as an international tourism city and strengthen its positioning as a travel destination in the region ideal for multi-destination visitation. It also reinforces the foundation for Macao and its neighbors in the region to achieve a win-win situation and tap into the new possibilities for advanced development. Following the opening ceremony, the European Travel Commission (ETC) signed a cooperative agreement with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC), further extending the Forum’s coverage of international cooperation. France and Beijing as featured partners For the first time, GTEF has invited two world-famous destinations to be its featured partners. Featured as GTEF’s partner country, France will bespeak its fascinating dimensions in different fields including tourism, investment, artistic and cultural tourism as well as promotion of trade and commerce during an array of sessions in the Forum. In addition, the Louvre Museum, the globally prestigious museum in France, will host a Fundraising Gala Dinner tomorrow (16 October) and a charity auction during the Dinner. Featured as GTEF’s partner city, the state capital Beijing Municipality will showcase its glamour as a cultural tourism destination through a mega exhibition, in addition to holding a destination presentation and a business matching session, etc. Launch of the first training programme GTEF is committed to contributing to the development of Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and promoting moderate diversification of the local economy. This year, GTEF has initiated its first MICE hospitality training programme. 20 participating students are trained in hospitality roles such as VIP guest reception and exhibition ambassador during GTEF 2016. Offering a rewarding experience, the training programme prepares the students for a future career in hospitality. GTEF has also published the “Experience Macau Travel Guide”, introducing delegates to the unique cultures and tourism resources in different districts across the city, to promote the development of community tourism in Macao and broaden GTEF’s positive impact to the community at large. Thought-provoking GTEF program This GTEF edition presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking program. In addition to the third Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends presented by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and GTERC, the Forum features a range of thematic sessions including its signature “Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs” session in collaboration with UNWTO, where leadership from the public and private sectors will tackle the subject of “Harnessing the 1 Billion+ Opportunities”; and “GTEF 5th Anniversary Special Keynote - The Forces Shaping China's Economic Future”. Featuring GTEF’s partner country France, the session titled “France: Arts and Culture as Drivers of Tourism” will unveil discussions on how cultural and artistic festivities can attract visitation. Industry leaders will also share their insights in sessions including “Maximizing the Dualities of the Chinese Consumers”, “Embracing the Multi-faceted Chinese Travellers” and “Tourism and Technology: the Inseparable Duo”. Other sessions include “Youth Leadership Roundtable – Understanding the Millennial Consumer and Social Engagement”, “Urban Tourism Consumption Revolution”, and “Investment Workshop – The Burgeoning Consumer Class: Investing in a New Era”. For more information about the Forum, please visit www.gte-forum.com
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Macao fully supports PPRD cooperation and “Belt and Road” initiative
Chief Executive Chui Sai On this morning (14 October) attended the 2016 Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Cooperation Chief Executive Joint Conference in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. Speaking at the conference, he said Macao will integrate development with its unique advantages, to fully support PPRD cooperation and innovative development, and join hands to promote the “Belt and Road” initiative. At the conference, the administrative leaders and representatives of all PPRD provinces and regions delivered their speeches and exchanged views on topics including the establishment of the PPRD Cooperation and Development Fund, integration of the “Belt and Road” initiative, joint promotion of the PPRD modernised integrated transportation network, and innovation-driven industrial cooperation. Speaking at the conference, Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that Macao will actively support and facilitate PPRD cooperation and innovative development. He believes innovation is the driving force that leads to development. Macao has this year compiled its first five-year development plan, marking an important innovation in planning by the MSAR Government. According to the plan, Macao will fully strengthen its efforts in integrating with national development, and intensify its participation in PPRD cooperation to achieve fruitful results. Macao also participated in organising a delegation of the National Development and Reform Commission and PPRD provinces and regions to visit Portugal and Belgium in June this year. This is another initiative of the new cooperation model for the PPRD. On the innovative future development of PPRD cooperation, Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that Macao will firstly enhance close cooperation with the free trade zones in Guangdong and Fujian, strive to introduce innovative ideas and arrangements, promote industry matching and common progress, to contribute to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area. The PPRD Cooperation and Development Fund is another innovative arrangement supported by the MSAR Government, which is beneficial to deepening PPRD cooperation. Regarding joint promotion of the “Belt and Road” initiative, Chui said Macao will fully leverage the advantage of the principle of “One country two systems”, as well as the advantages in language, culture and the returning talented overseas Chinese and families, to expedite its development as a world tourism and leisure centre, and a business and trade cooperation and services platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao will also leverage its unique advantages in integrated tourism, convention and exhibition, Chinese medicine, and cultural and creative industries, to jointly promote the “Belt and Road” initiative with other PPRD provinces and regions. Chui added that the PPRD provinces and regions should join hands to integrate tourism resources, consistently develop tourism products and routes with “Belt and Road” as the theme, and build a quality brand for PPRD multi-destination tours; deepen international cooperation, and leverage Macao’s advantages arising from its connections with global tourism organisations, to jointly promote tourism for the countries along the “Belt and Road”; and, based on the support from the United Nations World Tourism Organization for Macao’s development as a world tourism and leisure centre, provide professional training and services to talented people in the tourism industry of the PPRD, with the aim of cultivating more professional experts on “Belt and Road” tourism. Regard Macao as a platform, Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that Premier Li Keqiang has announced, at the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, a series of major initiatives to deepen cooperation and support the development of Macao. The implementation of these policies and measures will create new opportunities for Macao and other PPRD provinces and regions to participate in the “Belt and Road” initiative. Macao and its PPRD partners will strive to achieve the benefits of working together by integrating the development of Macao as a services platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries and the “Belt and Road” initiative. At the coming Macao International Environmental Cooperation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) next year, Macao will strive to more closely match the strategy of the “Belt and Road” initiative, to promote deepener cooperation in green products and green technology between the PPRD and the European Union and Portuguese-speaking countries.
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Government expresses condolences on the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand
The Acting Chief Executive, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, sent today a telegram of condolence to the Thai Prime Minister on the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. Having ruled Thailand for 70 years, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej devoted his life to the country and its people. Under his rule, Thailand achieved steady development, enhancing the love and respect the Thai people felt for him. On behalf of the Macao SAR Government, the Acting Chief Executive offered her deepest condolences to the Thai Royal Family and to the Thai people.
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IFT holds Healthy and Green Month again this year to build a green campus
Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) has been committed to protecting the environment, integrating environment-friendly concepts to its education, strengthening the faculty and students’ green awarenesses and calling upon everyone’s action to prevent wastage, aiming to build a healthy and green campus and society. Since 2015, IFT has been providing related trainings for its staff in order to enhance the environmental management and sustainable development. In June 2016, IFT passed Environmental Management System audit and successfully received ISO14001 accreditation. This year, IFT held again “The Healthy and Green Month” for the 5th consecutive year. A series of events were organised to promote the healthy lifestyle among its staff and students, and to build a healthy and green campus altogether with joint effort. Various interactive events and activities featuring health, environmental protection and safety were held during “The 2016 Healthy and Green Month” from 1 to 30 September. They are namely “Let's be a Green Walker” activity, “Homemade Edible Fruit Enzyme Workshop”, “Earth Hour/IFT Lights out for 1 Hour & No Elevator Day”, “Join the Cherish Food Corps” activity, a visit to Zero Carbon Building and Organic Farm in Hong Kong by the Institute’s staff representatives, “Resource Recovery Day”, “Vegetarian Snowy Moon Cake Workshop”, “Health ”, “Mooncake Container Collection Scheme”, “DIY Mini Plant Decoration”, a seminar about fire prevention and safety, “Coffee Ground Dyeing Workshop”, etc. There are more than 1,700 participation of the events and activities.
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Visitor arrivals (excluding non-resident employees and students) surged by 19% to nearly 770,000 during National Holidays Golden Week with 17% increase in Mainland visitor arrivals
According to the latest update of preliminary statistics (non-resident employees and students have been excluded from the figures of visitor arrivals) provided by Public Security Police Force, the overall visitor arrivals to Macao during the seven-day National Holidays Golden Week (1st – 7th October) hit a record of nearly 770,000 with a year-on-year raise of 19%. In addition, visitor arrivals from the Greater China and other markets both registered a double-digit growth. The number of visitors from the Greater China market exceeded 720,000 and constituted 94% of the total visitor arrivals to Macao during the National Holidays, an increase of 19% compared with the corresponding period of last year. Among them, the number of visitors from Mainland China registered a 17% year-on-year raise, whereas visitor arrivals from Hong Kong and Taiwan rose by 30% and 9% respectively. On the other hand, the total of visitors from other markets climbed up by 20% to over 47,000. The visitor arrivals to Macao during the National Holidays Golden Week released earlier included non-resident employees and students, Macao Government Tourism Office believes that the above figures can better reflect the visitor arrivals situation during this period.
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Secretary highlights achievements of Forum Macao
The 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao has had outstanding outcomes, including measures – announced by Premier Li Keqiang – to push forward development in Macao, said the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac. Those measures would help further advance an adequate level of economic diversification in the city, as well as maintaining Macao’s sustainability and boosting its bridging role between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Mr Leong made his comments on Wednesday (12 October) during a press conference outlining the achievements of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao. During the Ministerial Conference, member countries of Forum Macao signed a number of agreements to broaden cooperation in the period spanning 2017 to 2019. Agreements signed included the “Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Co-operation (2017-2019)” and a memorandum of understanding in relation to boosting cooperation on production capacity. The 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao expanded opportunities for networking and exchanges among entrepreneurs and financiers – and among economic and financial officials – from member countries, said Mr Leong. Premier Li announced – while in Macao this week for a three-day inspection tour – a total of 18 measures to support the development of Forum Macao and the countries participating in the Forum; as well as another 19 supportive measures to drive further development of the SAR. The 18 measures to support Forum Macao and its member countries cover five major areas for cooperation, namely: production capacity; economic development; people-to-people and cultural ties; the marine sector; and enhancing Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (known as the “Platform” policy). The Central Government also outlined 19 measures to drive further development of the SAR, namely via enhancing Macao’s role in connecting China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Those measures included supporting the Macao SAR to become a financial services platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Other measures involved establishing in Macao: the Association of Enterprise Directors of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; the Center for Cultural Exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; and a Chinese-Portuguese bilingual talent training base. The Secretary urged people across the community to develop their understanding of the measures, in order to grasp the development opportunities arising from them.
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Secretary highlights achievements of Forum Macao
The 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao has had outstanding outcomes, including measures – announced by Premier Li Keqiang – to push forward development in Macao, said the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac.
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Government Headquarters open to public during the weekend
The Government Headquarters Open Day sessions will this year be held during the weekend (15 and 16 October), from 9am to 6pm. The sessions will include a series of performances and thematic flower displays. During the two days, members of the public will have the opportunity to visit the Protocol Palace of the Government Headquarters – a brightly coloured landmark built more than 160 years ago – and its garden, located on Avenida da Praia Grande. There will also be guided tours of the ground floor of the Headquarters. There will additionally be a display in the Multi-purpose Room of the Protocol Palace, titled “Exhibition of Old Photos of Macao”. This year’s flower show is themed “Green Home”, inspired by the concept of urban dwellers that also seek a green life. The colourful blooms of the flower show will be in the front yard display zone, the lawn display zone and the flower rack display zone. There will be live musical performances by the Macao Police Band; and musical instrument performances, choir singing and dance performances by students from, respectively, the School of Music and the School of Dance – institutions both based at the Macao Conservatory. The original portion of the Government Headquarters – including the Protocol Palace – was built in 1849. It was used as the office for Macao heads of government prior to the establishment of the Macao SAR, and has been used for that purpose since then. Nowadays the building houses the Executive Council chamber; a Multi-purpose Room; and the Lotus Room. The office of the Chief Executive is on the first floor, together with the Green Hall, the Yellow Hall and the Blue Hall, which are for greeting guests and holding meetings and banquets. An application for digital devices called “GCE Macao” has been developed on behalf of the Chief Executive’s Office. It has more detailed information about the Headquarters and a schedule of Open Day session activities. Members of the public may download this application and at the same time enter a lucky draw game. For more information, please visit http://www2.gcs.gov.mo/openday or http://www.gov.mo.
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21st MIF attracts more than 50 countries to participate in the Fair, Exhibition arrangements support “Partner Country” and “Partner City”
The 21st Macao International Trade & Investment Fair (21st MIF) will be held at the Venetian Macao - Resort – Hotel from 20 to 22 October, with the theme “Co-operation – Key to business opportunities”. More than 50 countries and regions will be participating in the Fair, more than 1,600 display booths spread throughout of the exhibition venue have been set up. This year’s MIF is in an area of approximately 30,000 square metres, which is similar to last year. Where this year differs is the distribution of display booths and the overall arrangements in order to highlight the newly formed “Partner Country” and “Partner City”. This year, at the main entrance of the Fair there is the “Partner Country Pavilion – Portugal Pavilion” and the “Partner City Pavilion – Beijing Pavilion”, occupying a total area of 800 square metres. The two Pavilions will represent the historical and cultural richness of Portugal and Beijing, as well as introduce their current investment environments and economic situations, so that the participants can feel their charm right at the entrance. With the aim of bringing better support with the ripple effect of the “Partner Country” and “Partner City” Pavilions, on both sides, in close proximity to the two pavilions, MIF has set up a “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition”, “Chinese Medicine Health Industry Pavilion” and the Provinces, Cities and Autonomous Regions of Mainland China Exhibition Zone which consists of nearly 20 provinces/regions/cities. Thus on the one hand the exhibitors are able to make a centralised presentation to the visitors, whilst on the other hand, the enterprises can benefit from the negotiations and the search of business opportunities. In addition to several themed pavilions, associated with Beijing becoming the “Partner City” of MIF, this time the Fair will introduce “Beijing’s Time-honoured Brands” Exhibition Zone for the first time. Besides, this year's MIF will still have the “Macao SME Pavilion”, “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products Exhibition Zone”, “Taiwan Pavilion” and “China's Ethnic Groups — Commodities, Culture & Handcrafts Pavilion”. With a rich and diverse array of contents, MIF aims to provide the participants with a rewarding journey. A series of free business matching services will be provided during the Fair. By means of an online business matching service platform, along with the exhibition pavilions, specialised business matching sessions, visiting delegations, business opportunities for development, transition and enterprise start-ups are all included. If you have any enquiries, please contact MIF Co-ordinators Administrative and Service Centre on +853-2882 8711 or via E-mail at info@mif.com.mo. For the latest news regarding the Fair, please add the WeChat official account: MIFMacau or browse the website: www.mif.com.mo.
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CE meets officials from Portuguese-speaking countries
The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the outcomes of the 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao would surely lift ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries to new a level.Mr Chui made the comments on Wednesday (12 October) during meetings respectively with: the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cape Verde, Mr José Ulisses Correia da Silva; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Carlos Agostinho do Rosário; and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, Mr Estanislau Aleixo da Silva.The guests were in Macao for the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao.The Prime Minister of the Republic of Cape Verde, Mr José Ulisses Correia da Silva, said Forum Macao was important to the development of Cape Verde. He added he was pleased to lead a delegation to attend Forum Macao events.Mr Correia da Silva said the tourism industry was a major sector in Cape Verde. He also noted he looked forward to further cooperation with Macao relating to talent development initiatives.Mr Chui said Macao and Cape Verde had a relationship of close cooperation: the SAR Government would make further efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, relating in particular to the cultivation of talent via training.The Chief Executive noted there had been a number of investments in Cape Verde from the mainland and from Macao: he hoped these investments would help boost Cape Verde’s economy.In a separate meeting, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Carlos Agostinho do Rosário, told Mr Chui about Forum Macao’s significant influence on Portuguese-speaking countries in general, and the development of Mozambique in particular. Mr Rosário said he noted a large number of Mozambicans had received training in Macao relating either to law or to science and technology. He hoped training could be extended to other disciplines, as Mozambique needed to expand its pool of talented workers during the nation’s ongoing industrialisation.Mr Chui said Macao and Mozambique had established an adequate number of channels for communication. Macao – in its role as a bridge between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries – would organise more visits to Mozambique by Chinese investors. He believed a further round of promising cooperation opportunities would soon be available to Macao and Mozambique.In another meeting, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, Mr Estanislau Aleixo da Silva, said Forum Macao has assisted East Timor in its efforts to establish friendly relations with countries that participate in Forum Macao. He hoped Macao and East Timor would strengthen cooperation in fields including: trade, tourism, agriculture, industry and fisheries.Mr Chui said Macao and East Timor had developed a solid foundation for cooperation: Macao would provide more support to East Timor in a bid to enhance bilateral ties, and would study closely opportunities for fresh cooperation.Following the meetings, the Government hosted a banquet to welcome delegations from some Forum Macao member countries attending the 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao.During his speech, Mr Chui said trade between China and Portuguese-speaking countries had seen significant growth since the establishment of Forum Macao in 2003. Forum Macao’s Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Co-operation (2017-2019) set out a clear vision and direction for the development of cooperation among the participating countries, he said.Macao would make further use of its bridging role in order to further the involvement of the Portuguese-speaking countries in the “Belt and Road” initiative, Mr Chui stated.Wednesday’s banquet was attended by delegations from: the Republic of Angola; the Federative Republic of Brazil; the Republic of Cape Verde; the Republic of Guinea-Bissau; the Republic of Mozambique; and the Democratic Republic of East Timor.Government officials at the banquet included: the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan; the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac; the Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak; the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosario; 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 Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng; and the Director of the Macao Economic and Trade Office in Lisbon, Ms O Tin Lin.
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