The type of mutually-beneficial cooperation envisaged by the “Belt and Road” initiative is being realised via Macao and Cambodia’s planned links, including a focus on tourism and cultural affairs.

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, made the comments today during a meeting with the Governor of Siem Reap Province of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr Khim Bunsong, held at the Government Headquarters in Macao.

As Macao and Cambodia marked the formalising of friendly relations between the two places, it would provide opportunities to explore economic and trade ties; partnerships in education; cooperation in science and technology; and people-to-people exchanges, under the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration.

Following the meeting, Mr Chui and the Governor represented their respective administrations at a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding between Siem Reap Province of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on the Establishment of Friendship Relation.

Mr Chui said countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, were key partners for Macao in helping the city to push forward its contributions to the “Belt and Road” initiative. The Macao Government was looking forward to working side by side with its partners to pursue the goals of “unimpeded trade”, “financial integration” and “people-to-people ties”, envisaged under the “Belt and Road” initiative.

With the strong support of the Central Government, the Government had stepped up its efforts to transform Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure; and into a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (collectively known as “Centre and Platform” policies).

Macao was making use of its unique advantages in order to participate in, and contribute to, the “Belt and Road” initiative, Mr Chui stated.

The Chief Executive also reviewed recent Macao-Cambodia ties and achievements arising from them, including a 2015 visit to Macao by the Cambodian Prime Minister, Mr Hun Sen; the signing in 2016 of a cooperation memorandum on tourism training; and the 2016 visit to Macao of Governor Bunsong via the “Mayors’ Visiting Program”.

Mr Chui noted 2018 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia. He added that Cambodia had offered its strong support as China advanced its effort on the “Belt and Road” initiative. There was a number of China-Cambodia agreements on economic and trade matters, which had expanded the two countries’ partnership in terms of comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Bunsong stated the two countries would have vast development prospects, with opportunities arising from the “Belt and Road” initiative and others based on the existing close cooperation on economic and trade matters, tourism, infrastructure, conservation and repair of heritage sites and ancient temples, academic exchanges, and agricultural cooperation.

Macao was the 24th city in China to have formalised friendly relations with Cambodia. Mr Bunsong added he envisaged greater opportunities for cooperation between Macao and Cambodia.

The Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Mr Ye Dabo sat in on the meeting.

Government officials attending the meeting included: the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Ms Lei Ut Mui; and Advisors to the Chief Executive’s Office Mr U Man Fong and Ms Sam I Kai.

Cambodian officials present – aside from the Governor of Siem Reap Province –included Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, Mr Ngan Phirun; the Director of the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, Mr Kim Ponna; the Director of the Provincial Department of Tourism, Mr Ngov Sengkak; and the Director of the Finance Division of Siem Reap Provincial Administration, Mr Som Samsak.