Macao’s unique advantages in tourism, traditional Chinese medicine and relations with the Portuguese-speaking countries can better facilitate the country in realising its strategic plan in building a Silk Road economic belt and a 21st century maritime Silk Road (“Belt and Road”).

This is according to the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, who made the comments after attending the opening of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2015 on 28 March.

Commenting on the keynote speech delivered by President Xi Jinping at the opening, Mr Chui said the Government was in complete agreement and was enthusiastic to take part in constructing the “Belt and Road”: already outlined Macao’s distinct position in the proposals to the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan.

In his 2015 Policy Address, the Chief Executive had set a clear policy direction in building “Belt and Road”, and strengthening commercial, trade and cultural ties with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He said the Government would move forward the research on how to bring out more favourable features and elements, such as contributions from oversea Chinese residing in Macao, in building the “Belt and Road”.

The Government places great importance on the popular and China-proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, giving full support to co-ordinate with the country’s strategic arrangement.