The Air Services Agreement between the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Lao People's Democratic Republic was officially signed today in Macao. Both parties have granted each other the fifth freedom traffic rights with no restrictions, hence creating liberal conditions for the operation of air services by the airlines of both places who will be interested to fly in the future. The signing ceremony was convened in the meeting room of the Cabinet of the Secretary for Transport and Public Works at 12:00 noon. The signatories were the Secretary for Transport and Public Works of the Macao SAR, Mr. Lau Si Io, and the Minister of Public Works and Transport of Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr. Sommad Pholsena. Guests who were present in the ceremony were the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR, Mr. Feng Tie, the Chief of the Cabinet of the Secretary for Transport and Public Works of the Macao SAR, Mr. Wong Chan Tong, the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR, Mr. Chan Weng Hong, the representatives from the Macau International Airport Co. Ltd. and Air Macau Co. Ltd., as well as the government officials and the airline representatives from Lao. In accordance with the Agreement, the two governments can designate more than one airline to operate the routes; the designated airlines can enjoy fifth freedom traffic rights with no restrictions to develop their passenger or cargo services between the two places. The two governments also held a courtesy meeting before the signing ceremony to exchange the updates about the economic development of Macao and Lao, especially the air transport markets. Both sides agreed that the Air Services Agreement has paved favourable conditions for the operation of air services between Macao and Lao in the future.