The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, is to visit Brussels, Belgium, and the European Union during a six-day trip between 8 and 13 January.

A statement by the Government Spokesperson Office today said Mr Chui and his delegation are scheduled to make courtesy calls on the President of the European Commission, Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso, and the Vice President of the European Parliament, Mr Libor Roucek, to exchange views on enhancing ties between Macao and the European Union. He would also make courtesy calls on leading officials of the Belgium government.

During his visit in Brussels, he is also scheduled to meet the Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Mission to the EU, Mr Wang Hongjian, and the representative of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr Chen Xiaoming.

Members of the Chief Executive’s delegation include the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan; the Vice President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; the Chief of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary-General of the Executive Council and Adviser of the Office of the Chief Executive, Ms O Lam, and the Director of the Macao Economic and Trade Office to the European Union, Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosário.

This is Mr Chui’s first visit to the European Union as Chief Executive since he assumed office in 2009.

While Mr Chui is away, his official duties will be borne by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, from 8 to 11 January, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, from 12 to 13 January.