The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today met members of the Congress of the United States of America who paid a one-day visit to Macao. Mr Chui noted he looked forward to expanding cooperation between the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the U.S.
In the meeting held at Government Headquarters, Mr Chui noted the Macao SAR Government would dedicate further effort to enhancing Macao’s overall capabilities and to creating opportunities for inward investment and development.
A 14-member delegation took part in the visit to Macao. It included Congresswomen Ms Dina Titus and Ms Ann Kirkpatrick; and Congressman Mr Alan Lowenthal.
Mr Chui welcomed the delegation to Macao, noting the timing of the visit was appropriate in terms of marking respectively the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.
The Chief Executive said he hoped the visit would help to promote more effectively knowledge of the city’s economic development, and knowledge of Macao’s unique appeal in terms of tourism and culture.
During the meeting, Mr Chui briefed delegation members on Macao’s progress over the past 20 years. Macao had been adhering to the principles of “One country, two systems”; “Macao people governing Macao”; the city’s enjoyment of a high degree of autonomy;, and the Basic Law of Macao. These principles were widely supported by the Macao community, stated Mr Chui.
Macao’s adherence to the “one-country” principle while taking advantage of the “two-systems” model, created conditions whereby Macao could promote multilateral cooperation, said Mr Chui.
With the strong support of the Central Government, Macao had enjoyed political stability, economic prosperity, and social harmony, said Mr Chui. He noted there had been consistent improvement in the lives of local people, and said this was evidence of the successful implementation of the “One country, two systems” principles.
Mr Chui said the city had recorded a rapid pace of economic growth during the preceding 20 years. The Chief Executive noted U.S. companies with a presence in Macao had contributed to Macao’s economic growth. Such contributions were in line with the Macao SAR Government’s strategy of adequate diversification of the local economy.
The Macao SAR Government welcomed the expansion of business in Macao by U.S. companies, on the basis such companies recognised the principle of “One country, two systems” and the Basic Law, said Mr Chui.
During the meeting Ms Titus noted she had – thanks to the presentation by the Chief Executive – a better understanding regarding the “One country, two systems” principle. She also noted the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative had similarities to Silicon Valley in the U.S.
The Congresswoman said she believed the U.S. and China – including the Macao SAR – would have greater dialogue in terms of trade, economic affairs and education.
She also stated the delegation had visited while in Macao casino properties run by U.S. companies; and had witnessed development opportunities available in Macao.
Ms Titus had mentioned during the meeting with Mr Chui that the Sino-U.S. trade war was a lose-lose situation; noting it not only affected the exchange of trade and products but also exchanges regarding people, tourism and culture.
Macao officials attending today’s meeting included: the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau, Mr Mi Jian; and the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Ms Lei Ut Mui.
Following the meeting with Macao’s Chief Executive, the U.S. Congress delegation also met with the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng, in order to exchange views about how to bolster cooperation in cultural affairs and tourism.
The delegation additionally paid a visit to the Ruins of St. Paul’s and to Na Tcha Temple.
