The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, and the Director of Economic Services of the Government of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR), Mr Tai Kin-ip, co-chaired the first meeting of the Working Group on Enhancing Hong Kong/Macao Economic Co-operation in Hong Kong today (February 9). The two sides had an in-depth discussion on areas including tourism, investment promotion, and trade and exhibition promotion at the meeting.

     "Hong Kong and Macau have all along been working closely on various fronts. Last year, the two sides agreed to set up the Working Group on Enhancing Hong Kong/Macao Economic Co-operation under the existing mechanism. I believe that today's meeting can lay a solid foundation for further economic and trade co-operation between Hong Kong and Macau," Mr So said.

     On tourism, to further promote the development of multi-destination itineraries, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Macao Government Tourist Office will jointly explore the opportunities to be brought about by the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and proactively establish co-operation platforms with cities in Guangdong Province. Hong Kong and Macau will also continue to enhance joint promotion efforts in overseas markets and explore new markets, with a view to attracting more overseas visitors to travel to Hong Kong and Macau through multi-destination itineraries.

     On co-operation regarding meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, the two sides will continue to complement each other in conducting joint promotion in overseas markets.

     On investment promotion, Hong Kong and Macau will continue to partner with Guangdong Province to hold joint investment promotion seminars in key overseas markets this year to promote the new opportunities arising from the economic development of the three places. In addition, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute will explore the possibility of establishing a regular liaison mechanism and step up efforts in jointly promoting the investment environment of the two places.

     At the Hong Kong Macao Co-operation High Level Meeting co-chaired by the Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macau SAR in July last year, the two sides agreed to set up a Working Group on Enhancing Hong Kong/Macao Economic Co-operation to explore and capture the new opportunities to be brought about by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, as well as to enhance co-operation in areas such as trade, professional services, tourism and promotion of inward investment.

     Those attending the meeting today from the Hong Kong side included representatives from the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Trade and Industry Department, the Tourism Commission, InvestHK, the HKTB and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Ends/Thursday, February 9, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:52

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