Honoured senior officials, guests, ladies and gentlemen,

We are delighted to join you for the first China-Asia-Europe Economic Development and Cooperation Forum. On behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to congratulate on the success of the first China-Asia-Europe Expo and the Forum, and extend our warm greetings to all senior officials and friends attending this event.

Based on the success of the 19th Urumqi Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Fair, the China-Asia-Europe Expo is organised with the aim of promoting deeper exchanges between China and its neighbouring countries, and pursuing win-win solutions through mutual support.

The Expo helps to create suitable conditions and inject additional elements and driving forces for fresh cooperation along the Silk Road, and the further development of Xinjiang. It also provides the Macao SAR with a brand new platform and greater potential for participating in the development of western China, together with Central Asia, Western Asia and Europe.

Xinjiang occupies one-sixth of China’s territory. With abundant natural resources, Xinjiang has historically played a key role in bridging Eurasia, and continues doing so today. We are pleased to witness the ongoing progress of Xinjiang’s economy and community; these achievements are known to the world, and have contributed to improvements in people’s lives.

In the middle of last year, the central government held a working seminar focusing on Xinjiang, and proclaimed a directive on promoting the leapfrog development and long-term stability of Xinjiang. This fully demonstrates the central government’s determination to further promote the stability and development of Xinjiang.

As a strategic barrier in western China as well as an important gateway to the world, Xinjiang’s new rise and development are not only important to the prosperity and growth of society, but also significant for expanding the trade and economic cooperation between China and other countries in Central Asia, Western Asia, Southern Asia and Europe, and for promoting harmony, stability and common development in western China. We pay attention to and strive to fully support Xinjiang’s development and progress.

Macao is a special administrative region on the west bank of the Pearl River estuary, with unique characteristics and a service-oriented economy. Since Macao’s reunification with the motherland, the fundamental principles of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and a high degree of autonomy have demonstrated great vitality and creativity, resulting in the rapid economic growth and social stability of Macao.

With full support from the central government, the Macao SAR is quick to seize the opportunities arising from mainland China’s vigorous development. By fully leveraging our close relations with Portuguese-speaking and Latin countries and the European Union, we are committed to providing excellent intermediary trade services, and to broadening our horizons for development.

Since the inauguration of the third SAR Government, we have strengthened our cooperation with mainland China; indeed, this is our administrative priority. Through participating in regional cooperation and pursuing mutual support to achieve win-win solutions, we are accelerating adequate diversification of the economy to facilitate sustainable development.

At present, the Macao SAR is actively implementing the Twelfth Five-year plan, the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta, and the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement. We are also boosting the effectiveness of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Mainland China and Macao (CEPA) and its supplementary protocols, aiming to establish Macao as a world-class travel and leisure centre and a commercial service platform for business cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

These administrative measures of the SAR dovetail with the national strategy to ensure Xinjiang is one of China’s key gateways to the world, as well as the aims of the China-Asia-Europe Expo. We aim for joint progress in implementing the national policy of regional interaction and cooperation between eastern, central and western China.

In this respect, the Macao SAR Government will implement the following supporting measures:

First, we will strengthen our cooperation with Xinjiang in tourism and education, based on our existing good working relationship. We will make use of the SAR’s international tourism network to promote Xinjiang’s abundant tourism resources and boost the development of its tourism industry.

Second, we will fully leverage our function as a commercial service platform, actively promoting trade and commercial collaboration between Xinjiang and other western regions, and Portuguese-speaking countries. We will also provide unique and excellent intermediary services, encouraging Macao and Xinjiang entrepreneurs to jointly develop their Portuguese-speaking markets.

Third, we will continue to deepen cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation, aiming to establish a harmonious relationship between Xinjiang and Macao.

With full support from the central government, and the great importance other provinces attach to the issue, plus the great efforts contributed by our fellow Xinjiang compatriots, I believe Xinjiang will achieve leapfrog, harmonious and sustainable development. The “Go West Campaign” certainly has a bright future!

In closing, I would like to wish great success for the China-Asia-Europe Expo!

Thank you.