The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Japan plan to boost, on the basis of an existing close bilateral relationship, cooperation in areas such as commerce, tourism, cultural affairs, education, construction projects, and environmental protection.

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, made the remarks on Tuesday (13 August) during a meeting at Government Headquarters with the Minister of State for Regional Revitalization, Regulatory Reform and Gender Equality of the Government of Japan, Ms Satsuki Katayama. Ms Katayama is also a member of the House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan.

Mr Chui said the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong had been playing an active role in promoting cooperation between Macao and Japan. He also noted that a number of Japanese companies had invested in Macao.

During the meeting, the Chief Executive made a presentation on Macao’s development. He stated that Macao – as an SAR of the People’s Republic of China – had been adhering to the principles of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and the city’s enjoyment of a high degree of autonomy.

With the support of the Central Government, the Macao SAR Government had been devoting utmost effort to promoting the city’s economic development and enhancing people’s livelihood, Mr Chui added.

To achieve adequate economic diversification, the Macao SAR Government was committed to accomplishing the goals of transforming Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and into a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (collectively known as “Centre and Platform” policies).

In Tuesday’s meeting, Ms Katayama said Japan and Macao enjoyed good bilateral relations. Ms Katayama added she looked forward to fostering mutual ties in cultural affairs and tourism, two areas part of her portfolio.

To address the needs of its ageing society, Japan had plans to improve elderly care by making use of artificial intelligence, the Japanese Minister said. Noting Macao attached great importance to the development of information technology, as it striving to develop itself as a smart city, Ms Katayama said the two sides could strengthen cooperation in this field.

The Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam, also attended the meeting.