The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, arrived in Beijing, to brief state leaders tomorrow on the recent development in Macao and his policy blueprints.

Before leaving for the capital on his annual duty visit, Mr Ho told reporters that the Central Government had placed much importance to Macao, and he would tell the state leaders the difficulties Macao is facing in the global financial turmoil.

He said he hoped that the expansion of the Facilitated Individual Travel scheme would cover both Hong Kong and Macao.

He will also brief the state leaders on the progress on the legislating of the national security law. However, he will not discuss with them the membership of the government of the next term.

Mr Ho arrived in the capital about 3 pm and was welcomed by the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Ms Hua Jian, at Beijing Capital International Airport.

While Mr Ho is away, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, is acting as the Chief Executive.