Central Government gives strong support to Macao's role as economic and cultural platform between the mainland and Portuguese speaking countries.

Vice premier Qian Qichen conveyed the Central Government's support to Macao's role of intermediary during the meeting today (10 Dec) with the Chief Executive, Edmund Ho who is on his duty visit to Beijing.

Edmund Ho briefed Qian Qichen on the SAR Government's policy plans for the future, with one of the emphasis on drawing ties between the mainland and Portuguese speaking countries.

One of the plans discussed was to hold in Macao next year a Portuguese-speaking forum on economy and trade, with the participation of senior leaders of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Edmund Ho will meet with President Jiang Zemin tomorrow in the morning and Vice President Hu Jintao in the afternoon.

He will return to Macao tomorrow at the evening.