The Taskforce for the Promotion of Zhongshan-Macao Co-operation has created six working groups to co-ordinate work on specific projects for its middle- and long-term development.

This is according to the head of the Taskforce, Secretary for Economy and Finance Mr Leong Vai Tac who met with his counterpart, the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Government and Mayor, Mr Chen Liangxian, in Zhongshan in their first meeting on 28 February.

Aspects of the working groups cover the Cuiheng New District, facilitated travel for pleasure crafts, business co-operation, education, tourism and culture.

The pioneer project for pleasure crafts, the first in the country, is expected to be launched later this year, allowing vessels to sail between Zhongshan and Macao.

Mr Leong said in the meeting that the innovative co-operation model with Zhongshan would offer more opportunities to small- and medium-sized enterprises and young people, and bring more vitality into diversifying the local economic structures.

The Government has put every effort to turn Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Together with Zhongshan’s geographic advantages and experience in light industries, Macao would further demonstrate its advantages, enhance its overall competitiveness and service capacity.

The success of the co-operation with Zhongshan was indispensable to the support from the Central Government, Guangdong government, Macao’s entrepreneurs and residents, especially young people, Mr Leong said.

Under the Framework Agreement on Cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, the Macao will establish links with Guangzhou, Zhongshan and Zhuhai. The co-operation model with Zhongshan, different from the other two, is comprehensive and plays a role in demonstration.

The co-operation highlights include the development of Cuiheng New District and the building of Guangdong-Macao co-operation display zone.

Officials who were at the meeting included Consultant of the Chief Executive’s Office Mr Kou Chin Hung, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Macau Investment and Development Limited and Director of the Macao Economic Services Mr Sou Tim Peng, Director of the Marine and Water Bureau Ms Wong Soi Man, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Mr Cheong Chou Weng, Co-ordinator of the Tertiary Education Services Office Mr Sou Chio Fai, Deputy Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office Mr Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Vice-President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau Mr Chan Peng Fai, and Chief of Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance Ms Lok Kit Sim.