Chief Executive Edmund Ho said Friday (11 Jan.) the SAR Government was dedicated to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Chongqing and would encourage Macao investment in Chongqing and Northwest part of China.

Mr. Ho, who presided over the inauguration ceremony of the Chongqing-Macao Bridge, said that he felt optimistic towards the cooperation and development between the Macao and Chongqing, adding that the two governments would take measures to facilitate the cooperation.

Mr. Ho also said that with the support of the Central Government, Macao entrepreneurs could invest in the construction industry in Chongqing in the future.

Mr. Ho also noted that a charter flight between Chongqing and Macao would soon be established, in hope by this way more tourists from Western part of China would be attracted to visit Macao.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Francis Tam, who led the 125-member delegation from business sector, concluded the visit was fruitful. He said that

the local businessmen had achieved 13 cooperative projects with Chongqing that involve 776 millions RMB, of which 70.5 millions USD would be invested from Macao.

Meanwhile, Macao would donate money to Chongqing to build three "Hope Primary School".

Mr. Tam said that the development of Western part of China would bring business opportunities for Macao. He believed that the economic tie between Chongqing and Macao would be closer in the future.