The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Government would strengthen co-operation with Hubei Province in internationalisation and innovation to jointly explore opportunities in the Portuguese-speaking countries.

Mr Chui was speaking to the Secretary of CPC Provincial Committee of Hubei Province, Mr Li Hongzhong, in a meeting on 17 May in Wuhan, where Mr Chui attended the opening of the 9th Central China Investment and Trade Expo (Expo Central China 2015).

He said it was necessary to strengthen co-operation with Hubei, which was in line with the development direction from the Central Government in diversifying Macao’s economy and strengthening regional ties, and explore opportunities brought on by the national development strategy – the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (“Belt and Road”).

A mechanism to further promote exchanges between Hubei and the Portuguese-speaking countries would be established by next year, he said.

Mr Li told Mr Chui Hubei was interested in using Macao’s link with the Portuguese-speaking countries, stressing it was a crucial part of developing external co-operation.

The Expo is held in every two years focusing on economic and trade, with highlights in internationalisation, the market and professionalism.

The Governor of Hubei, Mr Wang Guosheng; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; member of the Standing Committee of Hubei Committee People's Political Consultative Conference and Vice President of the Office for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Foreign Affairs, Mr Ma Io Hang; Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping also presented in the meeting.