The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said in Jilin today that the province was one of the most important old industry bases that brought enormous business opportunities for Macao businessmen.

On his five-day visit to the northeast of the country, Mr Ho met with the Secretary of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Min, and the Governor, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee, Mr Hang Changfu.

During the meeting in the afternoon, Mr Ho praised the province, with rich natural resources and good ecological environment, for having perfected the business and investing condition that boosted boundless trading opportunities.

Moreover, under the framework of Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the two places would re-inforce co-operation in the area of trading, investment and tourism, among other areas, said Mr Ho.

Mr Wang briefly introduced the latest development of Jilin Province. He said there was a strong complementary relationship between these two places. He also said that he hoped to maintain a good bilateral relationship to cope with financial crises jointly.

Mr Han introduced to Mr Ho the concepts and directions for the future co-operation between Jilin and Macao. He said the two places might strengthen co-operation in trading, tourism, food processing, medical treatment and other areas.

Mr Ho attended a trade and investment seminar where the Secretary for Economic and Finance, Mr Francis Tam, delivered a keynote speech.

The delegation will continue on to Liaoning in Shenyang tomorrow.