Chief Executive Edmund Ho, who was received by Premier Zhu Rongji on Saturday (13 April) morning, reported on the recent achievements of the Macao SAR. He hoped the Central Government would continue to support Macao in areas related to public order and the development of tourism.

Mr. Ho returned from Hainan in the afternoon. Upon his arrival at the airport, he told the press that as Macao would be developed into a center for tourism and conventions, the Government would continue to ensure security so that the pillar of Macao's economy would not be affected. Mr. Ho emphasized that the public order of Macao was stable. He hoped that the Central Government would keep on supporting Macao in this aspect.

The Chief Executive also discussed the development of tourism in Macao with the Premier. Mr. Ho said that the SAR Government was dedicated to boosting the tourism industry. He hoped that the related departments in Mainland China would loosen their restrictions on Macao-bound tours, allowing more tourists into Macao so as to facilitate Macao's tourism industry.

The Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Chen Jinhua/; the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, State Council, Liao Hui, and the Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the CPC, Bai Keming, also attended the meeting.

Before the meeting with Mr. Zhu, the Chief Executive had breakfast with the leaders of Hainan province.

Mr. Ho also invited Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, who attended the Boao Forum, to come to Macao to enjoy the "China VS Portugal Friendship Football Match" which will be held on 25 May.