Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today thanked the National Tourism Administration (CNTA) for strongly supporting Macao in organising the Eighth APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM8) as he met with CNTA Chairman, Mr Shao Qiwei, at Government House.

Mr Chui also exchanged ideas with the CNTA Chairman on tourism co-operation and development between Macao and the Mainland.

The hosting of TMM8 on the eve of the 15th anniversary of Macao’s return to China symbolises the Central Government’s great support for Macao, said Mr Chui.

He said the Macao SAR Government would continue to develop the city into a world tourism and leisure hub as it pressed ahead with economic diversification.

The Chief Executive also thanked the Foreign Ministry and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council for their assistance in organising TMM8.

In response, Mr Shao Qiwei said the Macao SAR Government had made great efforts in ensuring the success of TMM8.

He pointed out that the hard work of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Macao Organising Committee had prepared Macao well for tomorrow’s ministerial meeting.

The Director of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, who is also Secretary General of the APEC Macao Organising Committee, thanked the National Tourism Administration for giving them their precious opinions in preparing for TMM8.