Chief Executive Edmund Ho Monday (8 April) received the visiting Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, and informed him of the developments in the Macao SAR since the handover.

During the meeting, Edmund Ho stressed that the support and the encouragement of the Macao citizens aided in the improvement of Macao after the handover. In terms of economic development, Mr. Ho added that the SAR government would invest much resource in infrastructure, especially in sport facilities due to the East Asia Games being held in Macao in 2005.

Mr. Ho said that the delegation's visit helped to strengthen cooperation between the two governments, adding that Macao could assist Luxembourg by acting as a stepping-stone for entering Mainland China.

"Following the successful accession of China to the WTO, Macao will certainly benefit in the long term, although not many advantages will be immediately apparent," said the Chief Executive.

Moreover, Mr. Ho briefed Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker the liberalization process of the gaming industry.

The Chief Executive was accompanied by the Secretary for Public Administration and Justice Ms. Florinda Chan and the Secretary for Economy and Finance Mr. Francis Tam.

Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, who led a 32-member delegation also met with the president of Legislative Assembly and visited some scenic spots in Macao.

At the invitation of Premier Zhu Rongji, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker met with President Jiang Zemin and the Premier in Beijing previous to his Macao visit.

Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker and the Luxembourg delegation left for Hong Kong on 9 April.