Chief Executive Edmund Ho said after his meeting today (16 Oct) with South Korean President Kim Dae-jung that his visit to South Korea has laid a good foundation for future cooperation.

Kim Dae-jung has told him that South Korean entrepreneurs are keen to invest in the Pearl River Delta after investing in northern China for decades, and that Macao could be a privileged platform for these entrepreneurs, according to Edmund Ho.

Edmund Ho also said that President Kim has shared his attempt to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between the two territories.

He said that a delegation comprises of government officials and businessmen will be visiting South Korea shortly, to discuss with their counterpart on how to use Macao as a platform to the Pearl River Delta.

Edmund Ho reiterated that the SAR Government and local Businessmen are willing to assist South Korean entrepreneurs in establish economic links with Portuguese speaking countries as this was another key interest raised by Kim Dae-jung.

Edmund Ho also expected a broader cooperation in tourism and culture after the two governments extend the visa free entry period to the passport holders of each country from 30 days to 90 days.

The Chief Executive also met with Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy of South Korea, Shin Kook-hwan, before attending the luncheon hosted by the Chinese Ambassador in South Korea, Li Bin.

He also officiated at the opening of the "Macao Week" held by the Macao Government Tourism Office to promote Macao Tourism in Seoul.