The Government is considering setting up representative trade offices in Portugal and in Brazil, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said today.

If the proposal is realised, it would form part of Macao’s policy of extending business ties between enterprises in Macao and mainland China with those in Portuguese-speaking Countries, he said.

The Secretary gave the news today on the sidelines of the 5th Jiangsu – Macao Portuguese-Speaking Countries’ Business Forum, during the 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF).

Major functions of the proposed agencies would be to provide professional consulting services, such as legal and accountancy advice, to parties from Macao and the mainland interested in investments relating either to Portugal or to Brazil, Mr Leong said.

The two such offices are likely to start trial operations next year, said Mr Leong, noting there was great demand for such trade agency representation.

The proposed measure is part of the Government’s effort to build on Macao’s strategic role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, he said.

In addition, Mr Leong said the Government has paid close attention to the employment market amid the period of adjustment in the city’s gaming industry. He further stated that Macao’s recently established hotel and resort projects have provided employment opportunities and been a factor in keeping the local unemployment rate at a stable and low level.

Mr Leong stressed he has full confidence in the city’s gaming industry and its competitiveness, adding he believed the industry would expand at a healthy pace.