The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will visit Fuzhou Prefecture in Fujian Province, from 22 to 23 February, and Guangzhou Prefecture in Guangdong Province, on 24 February, for discussions on Macao’s contributions to the development of the “Belt and Road” initiative.

The Central Government has previously indicated its approval for the Macao SAR enhancing its role in developing the country’s Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (collectively known as “Belt and Road” initiative), particularly in relation to boosting cooperation efforts with Guangdong and Fujian.

Chui’s visit will include meetings respectively with leaders from the two places, to discuss how to advance joint efforts for the development of the “Belt and Road” initiative and to expedite complementary cooperation in several fields.

Macao officials accompanying the Chief Executive to Fuzhou and Guangzhou will include: the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the President of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Cheong Chou Weng; the Director of the Policy Research Office, Mr Lao Pun Lap; the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Macau Investment and Development Limited, Ms Lu Hong; and the Acting Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Ms Lei Ut Mui.

During Mr Chui’s absence, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, will be Acting Chief Executive.

President Xi Jinping put forward the “Belt and Road” initiative during his Central Asia and Southeast Asia visits in, respectively, September and October 2013. The initiative has attracted attention worldwide.

The “Belt and Road” initiative is conceived as a systemic project. All the countries and regions along its routes can benefit from it, thanks to it being integrated – via consultation – to their respective development strategies.