The Honourable Premier, Mr Wen,

Honourable Heads of State and Government,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and commissioned by the Ministry of Commerce, I would like to extend our warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to all guests attending the Third Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.

This Forum is a non-political international economic and trade cooperation forum with the theme of economic cooperation and development. It strengthens the economic and trade exchange and cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries around the world, enabling Macao to become a connection platform that boosts common development between China, Portuguese-speaking countries and the Macao SAR. With the theme of “Diversified Cooperation, Harmonious Development”, the Forum will continue to play an active role in promoting trade, investment and business cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Since its establishment, the Macao Special Administrative Region has been implementing the principles of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and “a high degree of autonomy”, and the Basic Law of Macao. Over these years, the SAR has maintained harmonious economic and social development, and at the same time sustainably leveraged its advantages in culture and tourism with the aim of becoming a world travel and leisure hub, and driven diversification of the economy. It is our honour to be the host of the Third Ministerial Conference of this Forum. This demonstrates the central government’s support and trust in Macao and its recognition of Macao as a platform for maintaining relationships between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Marching towards the future, under the full support of the central government and the concerted efforts of Macao people, the Macao SAR Government will spare no effort to push forward the “One country, two systems” principle, maintain social harmony and diversity, bolster sustainable development, and ensure long-term and stable growth and prosperity.

Dear guests and friends, let’s toast to the health of our Premier Mr Wen Jiabao,

To our health,

To the success of this conference,

To the prosperity of our great country and an even better future for Macao!

Cheers!

Thank you!