Chief Executive Edmund Ho met today (7 August) with the Chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Government, Ms. Uyunnqin on the second day of his visit in Inner Mongolia.

During the meeting with Chairman Uyunnqin, the Chief Executive said that the support of the Central Government has helped to maintain the stability of the SAR.

He also said that with the development of the gaming and tourism industry, Macao's economy has recorded a growth of 7% in the first season, and is expected to have a growth of 5% in 2002 after the pre-handover downturn. Although the unemployment rate has been hovering around 6%, the SAR Government is dedicated to helping the unemployed by means of training as well as by encouraging the development of traditional industries.

Ms. Uyunnqin expressed her gratitude for donations from enterprises and various communities in Macao. She also hoped that the visit would broaden the scope of cooperation between the two regions and would lay a strong foundation for future cooperation.