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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, and the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Mr Tam Pak-yuen, co-chaired the Seventh Hong Kong Macao Co-operation High Level Meeting (the Meeting) in Macao today (July 18). At the Meeting, the two sides reviewed co-operation work and achievements in the past year, and discussed in detail on the future direction of co-operation for the coming year. Mr Tsang said, "Hong Kong and Macao have close co-operation on various fronts; not only do we jointly develop our economies through such co-operation, but also strive to improve people's quality of life in the two places. I hope both sides can continue to seize co-operation opportunities, innovate and deepen co-operation in various aspects."
The progress of co-operation in individual areas as well as the direction of co-operation in future are set out below.
On cross-boundary infrastructure, the major works of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) are making steady progress, and the three governments are discussing the ancillary arrangements such as regulation of cross-boundary vehicles and traffic management under the co-ordination groups. Both Hong Kong and Macao agreed to press ahead with the construction works and the studies on cross-boundary transport policy in the coming year to ensure timely completion. Both sides also introduced their development plan for the HZMB artificial islands and the areas near the HZMB, with a view to maximising the strategic function and economic benefits of the HZMB upon its completion.
On the cultural front, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao signed the Greater Pearl River Delta Cultural Exchange and Co-operation Development Plan in June this year. The key co-operation directions for the five years ahead will focus on the building up of cultural software and hardware through promoting exchanges of cultural information, exchanges of performing artists and groups and co-organising cultural programmes. In the coming year, Hong Kong and Macao will continue to strengthen the synergy effect of sharing cultural resources, and speed up the launch of the mobile app of the Greater Pearl River Delta Cultural Information Website, which will assist people of both sides in obtaining cultural information.
On food safety, Hong Kong and Macao have agreed to reinforce co-operation, especially in the area of exchange of food safety information. In the coming year, both sides will further enhance the notification mechanism on food safety information and ensure it works effectively in the event of food safety incidents. This will strengthen both sides' ability to respond to food safety incidents.
On e-government, both sides are studying the establishment of a notification mechanism on information security, so as to improve the information security surveillance and emergency response capabilities of both places.
On the tourism front, the two sides agreed to enhance promotion for multi-destination itineraries and enhance overseas tourism trade's understanding of the tourism products of both places. Both sides also agreed to continue to make good use of the exchange mechanism set up by tourism organisations to explore issues of mutual concern, with a view to promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the tourism industry of Hong Kong and Macao in the future.
The two sides also exchanged on co-operation initiatives in other areas such as medical co-operation, environmental protection co-operation, and financial co-operation at the meeting. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and co-operation in various aspects.
The Financial Secretary visited the new campus of the University of Macau in Hengqin during his stay in Macao, where he also received an update on the participation of Macao in Hengqin's development.
Hong Kong SAR Government officials attending the Meeting included the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Ms Chang King-yiu; the Deputy Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Daniel Cheng; Deputy Secretary for Development, Mr Chan Chi-ming, and representatives from other bureaux and departments.
Ends/Friday, July 18, 2014
Seventh Hong Kong Macao Co-operation High Level Meeting
The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang (fourth left), co-chairs the Seventh Hong Kong Macao Co-operation High Level Meeting with the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Mr Tam Pak-yuen (third right), in Macau today (July 18).
FS concludes visit to Zhuhai and Macau (1)
The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang (left), today (July 18) pays a courtesy call on the Acting Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Ms Florinda Chan (right), to exchange views on the latest economic and social development of the two places.
FS concludes visit to Zhuhai and Macau (2)
Mr Tsang (first left) is briefed by the Rector of the University of Macau, Professor Zhao Wei (second left), on the new campus of the University of Macau on Hengqin Island.
FS concludes visit to Zhuhai and Macau (3)
Mr Tsang (fourth right) visits Hengqin Planning Exhibition Hall to learn more about the development of Hengqin New Area. Joining him is the Mayor of the Zhuhai Municipal Government, Mr He Ningka (fifth right).
FS concludes visit to Zhuhai and Macau (4)
Mr Tsang (second left) visits a holiday resort in Hengqin in the afternoon.
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