Chief Executive, Edmund Ho today emphasise Macau's role as a bridge among China, Asia and Europe on the "2000 WTCA Asia Regional Meeting opening Ceremony".

"As a Special Administrative Region, we are young, but Macau itself is no newcomer to global trade and commerce. Throughout its history, Macau has been playing a unique role in facilitating economic exchanges between the East and the West, and this role continues to develop and strengthen." Edmund Ho said in his speech.

He added: "Such development matches well with the objective of the members of WTCA to promote trade by offering one-stop comprehensive international business services."

"The return of Macau to China has opened up a new era for us. Under the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', Macau remains an open and free economy. The fact that we are now an integral part of China has brought about a whole new dimension to our role as a 'bridge' among China, Asia and Europe," Edmund Ho stressed.

Edmund Ho said that the event is an opportunity for the world to see how "One Country, Two Systems" has been put into action, so as to have a better appreciation of Macau's renewed potential.

The 2000 WTCA Asia Regional Meeting will be held in Macau from the 8th to the 10th of November. Dozens of representatives of Governments and WTC from Asia are in Macau to discuss the operation of the WTCs in Asia.