The Macau and Guangdong governments signed a deal to join forces in the development of the central government’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative on Tuesday.
The two sides inked the letter of intent during the one-day 2016 Macau-Guangdong Joint Co-operation Conference.
Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On and Guangdong Governor Zhu Xiaodan co-hosted a press briefing after the closed-door annual meeting.
The two governments also signed 12 co-operation agreements and memoranda covering various areas.
Addressing the press conference, Chui said “the signing of these agreements signifies the ever greater co-operation between Guangdong and Macau in terms of depth and variety.”
The government was setting up a committee to co-ordinate Macau’s contribution to the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, Chui said.
Pointing out that the meeting this year was the first one since the start of the central government’s 13th Five-Year Plan, Zhu said the meeting was “successful and fruitful”.
Co-operation in the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative will highlight bilateral collaboration in the future, said Zhu, adding that “the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative has provided a new platform for deeper Macau-Guangdong co-operation.”
“It is important to make good use of Macau as a bridge between Portuguese-speaking countries [and the countries along the ‘One Belt, One Road’],” said Zhu, adding that Guangdong will always support Macau in its aim of becoming a world leisure and tourism centre.
The two governments also agreed that they will push forward with the development of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, which comprises Hengqin Area in Zhuhai, Qianhai-Shekou Area in Shenzhen and Nansha Area in Guangzhou.
When asked how Macau will be able to provide more opportunities for local professionals, enterprises and young people by making good use of the pilot free trade zone, Chui said regional co-operation was very important for diversifying the local economy and that the local government will “strive to enhance the opportunities for young local people to establish their own business” in the pilot free trade zone, with the full support of the Guangdong government.
The subject of Macau’s single-plated cars entering Hengqin was included in an agreement also signed by both parties. However, details will only be announced in the future, said the Chief Executive.
(Macau News / The Macau Post Daily)
