Macao deputies anxious for active participation in nation’s development

Deputies to the National People’s Congress from the Macao Special Administrative Region agreed that more active participation in the nation’s overall development will help to diversify their city’s economy.

Macao, which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland this year, is well known for its recreation industry. However, the deputies agree the city needs to explore other economic areas to guarantee sustainable development.

They made the call at a plenary session of Macao deputies in Beijing on Tuesday. This followed the opening meeting of the second session of the 13th National People’s Congress.

Premier Li Keqiang delivered the Government Work Report at the meeting. He said the government would support Macao and Hong Kong to seize opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area development strategy.

Chui Sai-peng, a NPC deputy from Macao, said more active participation would bring Macao more benefits amid the area’s development.

Chui is a member of the National Committee of China Association for Science and Technology. He believes the area’s technological and industrial standards should be unified to boost regional integration.

Currently, Macao mostly adopts European standards, while the mainland has its own, he explained.

Lao Ngai-leong, a NPC deputy from Macao, agreed Macao should play an active role in development of the Bay Area; it could even go one step further.

He suggested Hengqin in neighboring city Zhuhai, Guangdong province, should develop into a special cooperation zone of Guangdong and Macao — or into a free trade port.

The deputies also urged the authorities to launch policies to promote cross-boundary exchanges in education and medical care so Macao residents can enjoy more tangible benefits.

NPC deputy Lai Sai-kei’s proposed establishing a dedicated education committee in the Bay Area in order to coordinate policy designs there.

He hopes mainland education authorities will support more Macao young people studying in mainland universities.

Lai also wants Macao educators to be able to participate in the National Education Conference — which Hong Kong and Macao have not yet done.

Another deputy, Ho Sut-heng, advised Macao hospitals to conduct trials with mainland counterparts — such as with electronic medical record systems. This will enable people in the two regions to have more convenient medical care services.

Hengqin in neighboring city Zhuhai, Guangdong province, should develop into a special cooperation zone of Guangdong and Macao.’’ Lao Ngai-leong, NPC deputy from Macao