Macao and Guangdong today signed five protocols during the annual Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference, to bring their joint efforts to a new horizon.

The two governments will work on the construction of a new passage next to the Bordergate-Gongbei checkpoint to ease heavy traffic, as stipulated in one of the protocols.

After a long period of thorough study and discussion, Macao and Guangdong agreed that there is urgency in building a new passage to accommodate the growing number of cross boundary travellers, Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On told the press after the conference.

In the coming year, both governments would work on the projects that would benefit the general public, such as enhancing management of water quality and food safety, he said.

The Governor of Guangdong, Mr Zhu Xiaodan, said the two governments would also work on the projects on Hengqin Island and new area of Nansha.

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, and Vice Governor of Guangdong, Ms Zhao Yufang, would hold regular meetings to follow up on the co-operation projects between the two governments.

The annual Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Joint Conference was held today at Macao’s Government Headquarters, with Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On and the Governor of Guangdong Mr Zhu Xiaodan delivering keynote speeches. The Secretary for Economy and Finance Mr Tam Pak Yuen and Vice Governor of Guangdong Ms Zhao Yufang reviewed the progress of the previous co-operation projects.

With the full support from the Central Government, Guangdong and Macao had been dedicated in implementing the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement and enhancing co-operations in projects on Hengqin Island.

Apart from the agreement on building a new passenger passageway, Macao and Guangdong also signed protocols on co-operations in tourism, industrial standardisation and state-owned land lease.

Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Mr Zhou Bo, and Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR, Ms Gao Yan, also attended the meeting.