Macau should endeavour to be a good services platform for trade cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, in order to contribute to the national development strategy, the Chief Executive of the special autonomous region, Chui Sai On, said on Wednesday.

The Chief Executive, replying to questions from members of the Legislative Assembly on the lines of government action for 2018, also said it was equally important to organise a greater number of international events in Macau such as conventions and exhibitions, supporting companies in the interior of China to expand their business abroad.

“Macau should also, in this context, deepen the connection and extend the communication between the enterprises of the Portuguese-speaking countries and companies from other countries and regions of the world,” said Chui Sai On, adding it was the government’s responsibility to support local businesses to make the most of opportunities brought up by the policy for the construction of the Great Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Bay, as well as to support young entrepreneurs in the area of innovation and to start their businesses.

Chui Sai On also highlighted the importance of the struggle to improve access by businesses, professionals and local residents to the employment market of Guangdong, where they could also start their own businesses.

Referring specifically to the process of construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay, Chui Sai On said he believed that the territory has the required capacity to develop its work and contribute by transforming Macau into a Portuguese-language training centre in Asia and based on staff training in international tourism management.

The Chief Executive also recalled that the financial sector is one of the main areas of cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, and the territory has already established a mechanism for financial cooperation with Guangdong province, and there is also a satellite connection with several large cities in the Great Bay.

During the plenary session, the Chief Executive responded to questions from 30 members who addressed matters related to traffic, urban renewal and prevention of natural disasters and floods, the health system, employer-employee relations, employment guarantees, housing, legislation and Macau’s five-year development plan. (macauhub)