Shenzhen and Macao signed four agreements to promote cooperation in the fields of trade, tourism, logistics and finance after talks between Shenzhen Mayor Xu Zongheng and Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Edmund Ho Hau Wah on Monday.

The four agreements “represent a significant step forward in the cooperation between Shenzhen and Macao under the Guangdong-Macao cooperation framework,” a Shenzhen Special Zone Daily report said yesterday.

Leading a Shenzhen Municipal Government delegation, Xu arrived in Macao on Monday at the invitation of Ho.

The two sides agreed to enhance exchanges between the two governments and further strengthen cooperation between Shenzhen and Macao in all fields under the existing Guangdong-Macao cooperation framework. They also agreed to step up cooperation in the fields of trade, tourism, logistics and finance and reached consensus regarding how to map out a long-term development plan involving the two cities.

During his meeting with Xu, Ho said Macao is now actively working on creating a platform for trade between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. He believed Macao would be able to lend a helping hand in Shenzhen’s efforts to expand its overseas presence.

Xu said Shenzhen and Macao are highly complimentary in their industrial structures. With its fast growth in high-tech, finance and logistics industries, rich cultural and tourist resources and well-developed transport system, Shenzhen can serve as a bridge linking Macao to the inland regions, Xu said.

(Shenzhen Daily April 12, 2006)