On Macau Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah's first official visit to Shenzhen, he officiated at the signing of three pacts between the two cities to enhance co-operation in tourism, education and cultural industry. Agreements between Macau and Shenzhen have been in place since 2006 regarding trade, culture, tourism, finance, logistics, inspection and quarantine, and the new pacts would further strengthen the bonds of cooperation, Mr. Ho said.

At a press conference after the signing ceremony, Macau Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Chui Sai On noted that co-operation between the two cities was particularly meaningful at this time as the world faces an economic downturn.

The Chief Executive and Shenzhen Mayor Xu Zongheng witnessed the signing of the co-operation memorandum between Macau Government Tourist Office and Shenzhen Tourism Bureau that provided for the setting up of a liaison group comprising leaders and representatives, and the designation of a person to be responsible for regular communication.

Other areas covered by the agreement include arranging site inspections in both places, distribution of each other's promotional materials, exchanging tourism data and jointly organizing tourism product-linked tour itineraries. It was also agreed that websites of each will have mutual hyperlinks, and that both parties will cooperate in organizing marketing and promotional activities.

Both will provide platforms for the exchange of ideas and cooperation among tourism groups in their cities, and in conformance to CEPA guidelines, cooperation regarding operation and investment in hotels and travel agencies will be encouraged, while joining forces to improve service and eliminate fraud in the industry.