CE meets Chief Executive of Macao SAR (with photos/video)
*********************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Mr Sam Hou-fai, at Government House today (February 14) to exchange views on further promoting Hong Kong’s co-operation with Macao and the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Also attending the meeting were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Sam and his delegation to Hong Kong. Noting that Hong Kong and Macao are the country’s special administrative regions that enjoy distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, Mr Lee said that the two cities are as close as brothers, with frequent people-to-people and cultural exchanges, alongside solid economic and trade relations. He noted that the “one country, two systems” principle is a good policy for maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. Hong Kong will continue to firmly uphold the principle of “one country” and leverage the benefits of “two systems” with Macao. He also noted that Hong Kong and Macao, both of which are core cities of the GBA, can achieve complementarity and participate in and promote the development of the GBA together, benefiting the people of both cities with the fruits of economic development.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Macao have been working closely in such areas as economy, cross-boundary infrastructure, tourism and trade. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), has remarkably shortened the distance between Hong Kong and Macao, promoting closer communication and connections between the two cities. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has long provided dedicated support to the cross-boundary transportation arrangements and measures of the HZMB to maximise the economic and transport benefits of the bridge. Besides, the “Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service”, jointly launched by the HKSAR Government and the Macao SAR Government in July last year, provides a faster and more convenient immigration experience for residents of both cities and further facilitates their exchanges.
In promoting tourism, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Macao will work together to expand the market of twin-destination tourism of the two cities. Hong Kong will collaborate with other cities in the GBA, including Macao, to establish a regional and international tourism brand.
Mr Lee also welcomed Mr Sam’s visit earlier today to the Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development at Hong Kong Science Park and the Hong Kong Palace Museum to learn more about the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine and cultural tourism in Hong Kong. Mr Lee said he looks forward to working with Mr Sam in further enhancing exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Macao in various aspects.