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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, visited Macao today (May 12) at the invitation of the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Edmund Ho.

Speaking to the media before winding up his visit, Mr Tung said that he and Mr Ho had a useful dialogue on cooperation between Macao and Hong Kong after reunification.

"I am very pleased to see that Macao has emerged as a new and dynamic community after its reunification. In his Policy Address, Mr Ho has outlined his vision for Macao and the way to take it forward. I believe that under Mr Ho's leadership and with the concerted efforts of the people of Macao, the SAR will have a very bright future, " he said.

Mr Tung said that the objective of his visit was to keep both sides abreast of the latest developments in the two SARs and to explore how new opportunities brought by the reunification could help to further promote economic ties between the two places.

Mr Tung and Mr Ho shared the view that the two SARs should strengthen cooperation at the community and government levels.

"In addition to current communication channels, I have appointed the Constitutional Affairs Bureau to coordinate official liaison with the Macao SAR Government," he said.

"Both Macao and Hong Kong are taking positive steps to develop tourism. We agree that both places should strengthen cooperation in this regard. In fact, the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the Macao Government Tourist Office and the Guangdong Provincial Tourism Bureau are already discussing ways to promote tourism in Hong Kong, Macao and the Pearl River Delta.

"Moreover, we will also study whether there could be further cooperation in the financial services sector.

"We very much hope that there will be more frequent and closer contacts between the two SAR communities. I would encourage Hong Kong people to visit Macao more often to enjoy the many excellent tourist facilities in the enclave. I also hope that people from Macao will come to Hong Kong to see for themselves our latest developments," he said.

In reply to a media question regarding a proposed bridge to link Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Tung said he and Mr Ho had discussed the subject. He said, "From Hong Kong's perspective, in addition to the current transport channels, we are developing the Shenzhen Western Corridor. This will be completed in 2005. I believe that in the long run, we should consider whether there is a need for this bridge, because I believe that in the 21st Century the Pearl River Delta will definitely become increasingly prosperous. As to when we should consider the matter, we would do so at the appropriate time."

Photo : The Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Mr Edmund Ho, greets Mr Tung at the Santa Sancha Government House.

End/Friday, May 12, 2000

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