Details of building a new passenger passage between Macao and Zhuhai and alleviating floods in the old district will be discussed with the related Central government ministries, according to the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On.

Speaking to reporters as he led an official delegation to Beijing, Mr Chui said they would meet with representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the State Oceanic Administration, the Ministry of Land and Resources, and the General Administration of Customs.

The governments of Guangdong, Zhuhai and Macao have held several rounds of talks to discuss the building of a new passenger passage after it had been proposed and the importance of the new project to the substantial development of these places, was recognised by the Central Government.

The governments were working closely to get approval from the Central Government and this was one of the aims of this visit, said the Chief Executive. He said that the new model for port management, enhancing the efficiency of customs clearance and remedying flooding on the Canal dos Patos, a river between Zhuhai and Macao, would be discussed.

On this trip, the Chief Executive will also visit the State Oceanic Administration, the Ministry of Land and Resources for talks on how to reduce flooding in the old district of Macao.

In response to media’s question on the one-off temporary application for cars passing Macao and Guangdong province, Mr Chui said that this topic was not the key element in this visit, but he would exchange ideas with the related authorities. He also said that the Macao Government would have a thorough consideration, taking into account Macao’s traffic condition, carrying capacity and environment evaluation.

Mr Chui was accompanied by the Secretary for Transportation and Public Works, Mr Lao Si Io, and the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai Hang.

During Mr Chiu’s absence, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be the acting Chief Executive.