Chief Executive, Edmund Ho and European Commission President Romano Prodi agreed to further enhance Macau's status as the center for European study in Asia.

Mr. Ho met with Romano Prodi today (19) in the first day of his official visit to the European Union (E.U.).

During the half-hour meeting, the Chief Executive introduced to Mr. Prodi the implementation of "One country Two System" in Macau after the establishment of the SAR and the plan for the SAR¡¦s economic development in the future.

The Chief Executive also told President Prodi that the SAR Government is willing to create conditions for the E.U. to establish service centres in Macau.

President Prodi said that the E.U. is willing to cooperate with Macau, especially in the area of European studies, and will give top priority to Macau for setting up Institutions of European Studies in Asia.

President Prodi also accepted Mr. Ho's invitation for him to officially visit Macau.

The Chief Executive said after the meeting that Macau¡¦s role as a bridge between Europe and Asia will be fortified as academic cooperation with the E.U. strengthened, adding that various sectors will benefit as Europe gains better understanding about Macau and its privilege.

The Chief Executive was accompanied by Susana Chou, President of the Legislative Assembly/; Raimundo Rosá/;rio, Head of Macau Economic & Trade Office in Brussels and David Ting, Head of Office of the European Commission in Hong Kong.

Mr. Ho and the delegation attended the welcome dinner hosted by Song Mingjiang, the PRC Ambassador in Belgium after visited the Institution of European Studies and Seghers Technology Group and the Sewage Treatment Plant managed by the group.

In his visit tomorrow, Mr. Ho will meet with Christopher Patten, European Commissioner Responsible for External Relations and will attend the dinner hosted by Antonio Vitorino, European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs.