The Honourable Vice Chairman of the 11th National CPPCC, Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Wan Gang,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the Macao SAR Government, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all of you to the “2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition” to explore the environmental theme about “Green Economy – New Engine for Growth” with leaders from different countries and from Pan-Pearl River Delta Region in this annual green platform.

The first Earth Summit in 1972 became an important milestone to alert international community to pay attention to environmental problems. In recent years, with the climate-change impacts, economic losses have been caused by different natural and environmental disasters. Many countries and regions all over the world are taking environmental protection as their priority and main task for the sustainable development.

In June, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development will be held in Brazil. The conference will discuss and decide how to accelerate action for a healthier world for all. At a time of the global financial crisis, “Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication” becomes one of the two focus themes of the Conference, showing the urgency and importance of environmental protection for the reform of economic structure strategies.

Here in Macao, since the handover on December 20, 1999, under the principles of "One Country, Two Systems" and high degree of autonomy, the economy has been growing. While promoting actively diversification of economy and sustainable development in Macao, the Macao SAR Government also attempts her efforts to become a distinctive green channel in the West Bank of Pearl River Delta. The Macao SAR Government will fulfill her international obligations and actively cope with the national targets for the emission reduction of green house gases in combating the climate change. At the same time, Macao will also strengthen the environmental protection work in order to avoid the negative impacts on social and economic development caused by environmental pollution.

The “Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition” is an important green exchange platform and channel for regional environmental protection industry. The cooperation and participation of different parties has made a great success for 4 consecutive years. Last year, this success has been recognized by the General Assembly of the Global Association of Exhibition Industry and awarded with the international exhibition certification. The Macao SAR Government wishes that this activity can promote further regional exchanges and cooperation on environmental protection technology.

Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the Macao SAR Government, I would like to express our thanks to the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China for being the Special Supporting Organizations, as well as the Governments in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region for co-organizing this meaningful event.

Finally, I wish the “2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition” a great success and all the participants have an enjoyable stay in Macau.

Thank you!