"The Central Government will support the project to extend the Beijing-Zhuhai highway to Macao", said Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Ao Man Long today upon his return today (25 April) from a four-day visit to Beijing.

During his visit, the Secretary held meetings with the vice-chairman of the State Planning Commission, Zhang Guobao, and with the vice-minister for Communications, Zhang Chunxien, to discuss the extension of the Beijing-Zhuhai highway to Macao.

Mr. Ao said that Zhang Guobao pledged the support of the Central Government to this project during the meeting, emphasizing that the prosperity of Hong Kong and Macao was important to the economic development of the Pearl River Delta.

The vice-minister also reaffirmed the support of his ministry to the project, yet it was necessary to analyse and follow-up on some related issues, said Mr. Ao.

Mr. Ao also discussed the situation of Macao's civil aviation with the vice-minister of civil aviation, Bao Peide during the visit.

A memorandum regarding an increase in the number of cargo and passenger flights between some mianland cities and Macao was signed after the meeting, and the possibility of helicopter services between Shenzhen and Macao.

The deputy-chief of the air transport department of China Civil Aviation, Wu Kewang, and by the president of Macao Civil Aviation Authority, Rui Balacó/;, signed the agreement on behalf of both governments.

"the signing of the memorandum between both civil aviation authorities will be important to the development of this sector for both China and Macao," Mr. Ao stated.

The Secretary also held a meeting with the vice-minister of the State Bureau of Environment Protection, Wang Yupin, to discuss China's support for Macao's nomination for the United Nations' "Global 500 Award." They also discussed the planning of protected ecological zones in the MSAR, as well as the extension of the Barsel Convention to Macao.

The MSAR delegation comprised of representatives from the Cabinet of the Secretary, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Environmental Protection Committee, and several advisors.