The targets of co-operation between Macao and Guangdong governments set for last year have been reached and more innovative co-operation projects would be discussed in the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference to be held later this year, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said. Speaking to reporters in Guangzhou after meeting with the Secretary of the Guangdong CPC Provincial Committee, Mr Hu Chunhua, and the Governor of Guangdong province, Mr Zhu Xiaodan today, Mr Chui said both governments were confident in development on trade liberalisation and structural reforms to facilitate the projects in the free trade zones, development of Hengqin of Zhuhai and Nansha of Guangzhou. He said the establishment of the free trade zone in Guangdong would bring more development opportunities to Macao to further diversify its economic structure. In the past year, the Government strived to boost the economy, enhanced the people's livelihood, endeavoured to turn Macao into a world centre for tourism and leisure and a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, expedited regional co-operationand talents cultivation system. Based on the effective and close co-operation, the two governments would step up efforts on environment protection issues such as processing non-recyclable construction waste and unwanted vehicles to make best use of space in the landfill and fulfil the needs for development. More measures would be announced within this year, he said. Earlier in the meeting, Mr Chui thanked the Guangdong government for its long-term support especiallyon the supply of water, electricity, food and other necessities, resolving the basic needs of the people of Macao. Mr Hu said Guangdong government would see this year's economy grow at a moderate and steady pace, as the Central Government had planned. He said he believed that based on the close co-operation with Macao they would create morefavourable conditions for the people. Officials also who attended the meeting today were the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac; the Secretary for Transport and Public Work, MrRaimundo Rosario; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam;the Chief of Office of the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Ms Cheong Chui Ling; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping;and the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng. Other key officials of the Guangdong government attended included the Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and Secretary-general of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr Lin Musheng; the Vice Governor, Ms Zhao Yufang; and the Secretary-General, Mr Li Feng.
