The SAR Government acknowledges that the Central Government has formulated a series of policies regarding how to further Macao’s contributions to the “Belt and Road” initiative. The policies aim to build on Macao’s unique role in relation to China’s Maritime Silk Road, and on the city’s close links with Portuguese-speaking countries. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, acknowledged the Central Government’s fresh support for Macao during his meetings with committees and ministries of the Central Government during his Beijing visit last week. The Central Government envisions Macao playing a greater role in: expanding regional ties in relation to financial services; exporting services in high-end industries; promoting exchanges on trade in services via regional connectivity; encouraging more frequent cultural exchanges; and boosting mutual efforts in relation to regional cooperation. The Central Government pays great attention regarding how to advance Macao’s efforts in the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (collectively known as “Belt and Road” initiative), and has outlined a series of detailed measures that support the city’s progress in its efforts to achieve adequate economic diversification. The SAR Government will make full use of the development opportunities arising from the Central Government’s policy support. While in Beijing, the Chief Executive exchanged views with officials on: the management of maritime traffic in Macao; the protection of marine ecology in the SAR; the development of the maritime economy; the management of Macao’s waters; and law enforcement in relation to those matters. The Government also presented to the Central Government a proposal – covering the period 2016 to 2036 – for mid- and long-term development regarding the utilisation of Macao’s waters. Officials of the committees and ministries of the Central Government visited by Mr Chui shared their respective suggestions regarding the plan. They also shared experience and advice in stipulating a maritime policy framework; and made suggestions for how to implement such work. Mr Chui’s three-day visit to Beijing took place from Wednesday to Friday last week. He had meetings with officials of the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Water Resources, the General Administration of Customs and the State Oceanic Administration.