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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 19) visited Macau and exchanged views with Macau officials.
During the courtesy call on the Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Mr Chui Sai-on, Mrs Lam said, "The Hong Kong Macao Co-operation High Level Meeting was held in June in Macau this year. I understand that the two sides have made concrete progress in fostering co-operation on environmental protection, taxation arrangements and public health.
"The National 12th Five-Year Plan has dedicated a chapter to Hong Kong and Macau. It gives strong support for consolidating the prosperity and stability of the two places and promotion of regional development. The Fourth Term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government pledges full support for deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Macau by leveraging on respective strengths and expertise and maximising synergy, with a view to promoting collaboration on various fronts and raising the competitiveness of the region."
Mrs Lam also exchanged views with the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, on social welfare, alleviating poverty, the labour situation and tourism development in the two places during a meeting.
She said, "Since the assumption of office, the Fourth Term HKSAR Government has upheld that 'no livelihood issue is too trivial' and has introduced various measures that are beneficial to the public. These measures cater for the needs of the grass roots and the underprivileged from different perspectives and angles, and provide effective relief and improvement to their livelihood. I know the Macau Government also has high regard for people's livelihood and hope the exchanges of the two places can be enhanced and reference be drawn from each other.
"In addition, there is strong complementarity between Hong Kong and Macau on tourism. Hong Kong is a renowned cosmopolitan city and shopping paradise while Macau enjoys competitive edges in its rich selection of leisure and entertainment businesses. Given the geographical proximity, Hong Kong and Macau have always been popular for the multi-destination itineraries of Mainland visitors, our primary visitor source market. As such, we look forward to strengthening co-operation with Macau on tourism promotion and developing new tourism products."
Mrs Lam also took the opportunity to visit Pou Choi Centre and Creative Corner of Fuhong Society of Macau to see for herself vocational rehabilitation services and promotion of arts for persons with disabilities, as well as tour resort hotels and performing venues in Macau to learn more about integrated development of tourism, leisure, conference and exhibition facilities there.
Ends/Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:30
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