Guangdong to bring Macau more opportunities, says Chui

Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that the SAR Government attaches great importance to the development of the Free Trade Zone in Guangdong and expects the project to bring more opportunities to Macau.
He expressed his hope of putting the topic on the agenda of the Guangdong-Macau Co-operation Joint Conference later this year.
Chui made the comments when meeting with Guangdong Province Communist Party Secretary Hu Chunhua and Guangdong Governor Zhu Xiaodan on Friday evening at Guangzhou Zhudao Hotel. The Macau delegation also included Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong Vai Tac, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo Rosario plus other Macau officials.
The Chief Executive said that the Free Trade Zone in Guangdong would be advantageous for Macau, as well, especially in terms of liberalising trade and innovating the system. He hopes both sides can enhance co-operation in Hengqin in Zhuhai, and Nansha in Guangzhou, as well as exploring new opportunities in the Free Trade Zone in Zhuhai.
Chui Sai On also pointed out that the two regions are like ‘brothers’ and that Guangdong has always supported Macau, especially in the essential needs of Macau’s residents, such as in water, electricity and food. He said that last year the objectives of the Guangdong Macau Co-operation Framework Agreement and the Joint Conference were met and hoped that this year more could be achieved.
When speaking to reporters after the closed-door meeting, Chui indicated that the two governments could step up efforts on environmental protection issues such as processing non-recyclable construction waste and unwanted vehicles to make best use of space in landfill areas. More measures are to be announced this year.
Guangdong party chief Hu Chunhua said that last year the province enjoyed a 7.8 per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) plus a 13 per cent increase in fiscal tax income. He also revealed that the tertiary sector of the economy (service industry) has surpassed the secondary sector (manufacturing) in the neighbouring region.
Hu added that such indicators show that Guangdong Province is enjoying a good development mode and that this year the province will follow the central government’s instruction to continue developing steadily. The top official of the province believes that this year the general economy of the province will maintain the healthy momentum of last year.
Chui Sai On indicated that Macau is undergoing some adjustments to its economy. He believes that this year Macau’s economy may not enjoy as fast a growth rate as the past decade but remains confident in Macau’s long-term vision of building the territory into a world tourism leisure hub as well as a platform for China and other Portuguese-speaking countries. Chui reiterated to provincial leaders that Macau is going all out in terms of economic diversification, regional co-operation and cultivating talent.