On 6^th March, the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Chairman, Li Jinzao, met with Macau Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Chui Sai On in Beijing, where they exchanged views about the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) plus the adjustment and optimization of related tourism policies during 'Golden Weeks'. Other topics discussed during the meeting included realising Macau's dream of diversifying into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, and deepening communication and co-operation on tourism and on other fronts.

During the meeting, Chui Sai On said that for the last 15 years CNTA has maintained close communication, providing full support for the work of the MSAR Government. He recalled that last year the Macau executive was invited to submit reports and discuss strategies for the future to be adopted regarding the optimization of IVS. While stressing the importance of Mainland China's visitors to Macau's tourism industry, Chui Sai On noted that Macau wishes to remain a tourism destination where visitors feel comfortable, whilst enabling Macau residents to enjoy an assured quality of life.

Mr. Chui noted that the IVS began in July 2003, and that now is the time to evaluate and reflect on the policy, taking into account human resources, as well as existing infrastructure and local residents' quality of life. The Chief Executive said that both the Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, had received instructions to present reports on the city's carrying capacity situation, which, upon further analysis and discussion, have now been presented to the Central Government.

The CNTA Chairman said that the setting up of a joint working committee would enhance its efforts to support the building of Macau into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, allowing it to study and optimise related policies and measures regarding communication and co-operation on tourism initiatives related to the Mainland and Macau. Mr. Li also suggested promoting regional tourism co-operation between Guangdong, Fujian, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan on the basis of co-operation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau in order to give full play to their respective advantages for common development.

The meeting was also attended by Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macau Vice Director Yao Jian, CNTA Vice Chairman Du Jiang, and other responsible persons from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macau, CNTA personnel and related departments of the Macau Government.