In mid-August, Chief Executive Chui Sai On led an official delegation to Beijing for the advancement of Beijing-Macao partnership and for discussions on the region's first Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020).

Heading the agenda in Beijing was a meeting with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People's Republic of China chaired by the Director of the Commission, Xu Shaoshi. Participants included NDRC, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Land and Resources, Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Culture, the State Family Planning Commission, the People's Bank of China, the General Administration of Customs, China National Tourism Administration, the State Oceanic administration and the Guangdong Provincial Government.

The objectives of the meeting were to better complete the preparation of the five-year plan, enjoy more effective linkage with the country's 13^th Five-Year Plan and the development of the 'Belt and Road' Initiative. The meeting sought to communicate and co-ordinate more actively with the Central Government, integrate more comprehensive regional co-operation, and further expand the level of Guangdong-Macao co-operation.

Participants presented useful suggestions on accelerating Macao's transformation into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, in addition to construction of the platform for economic and trade co-operation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Participation in the 'Belt and Road' Initiative, strengthening regional co-operation, and advancing towards moderate economic diversification were also discussed.

Chui concluded that the meeting was successful, acknowledging the strong support the Central Government has given to the development of the economy and Macao society via the active co-ordination of relevant ministries and commissions. The Macao Government will learn and take as reference the valuable opinions presented at the meeting to further enhance the advantages of the principles of 'one country, two systems' and its very unique and geographical advantages, whilst continuing to strengthen communication and co-ordination with the relevant departments of Mainland China.

In addition, he said the authorities will strive to promote the sustainable development of the economy and Macao society, and continue to raise the quality of life of the population by developing in conjunction with the country and sharing prosperity.