CRI听力:Macao Gives Full play to Its Key Role in Belt and Road Initiatives

Yang Ting is a tourist from Beijing. She is among the numerous visitors who consider the St. Paul's Cathedral as a must-see in Macao.

"I definitely want to see the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral when visiting Macao since it is an integral part of its historic centre. I also have planned to walk around the whole historic areas including the Mandarin's House and Dom Pedro V Theater."

The latest stats from the World Travel and Tourism Council suggests tourism industry accounted for over 43 percent of Macao's whole GDP in the year of 2014.

Chief Executive of Macau, Chui Sai-on, says the special administrative region, once a key hub of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, is now ready to grasp the golden opportunity provided by the Belt and Road Initiatives.

"Based on the SAR government's initial research, we decide to prioritize Macao's tourism and cultural sectors joining the "Belt and Road" Initiatives. On one hand, Macao is a world-renowned tourism destination. On the other, Macao is well-known for its rich historical and unique culture."

In November, the initiative, namely the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, has for the first time appeared in the Macao SAR Chief Executive's policy address. Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, it aimed at reviving the ancient trade routes that span Asia, Africa and Europe.

Apart from the traditional areas, the SAR government is also exploring the potential to incorporate its conference and exhibition industry into the new initiatives.

Data from a new industry report shows Macao's exhibition industry ranked the top among all places in Asia last year, with its exhibition sales surging 38 percent year on year.

Liu Guanhua, the executive of Macao's Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, elaborates.

"In recent years, many renowned international hotels and integrated resorts have set up their branches in Macao one after another, providing venues for different types of conference and exhibition projects. In the last five years, Macao hosted over 1000 conferences and exhibition annually. At the same time, several local events including Macao International Trade and Investment Fair have become the internationally recognized fairs. "

Meanwhile, Chui Sai-on says Macao is currently forging closer ties with the Portuguese-speaking countries along the Belt and Road, taking advantage of its Portuguese dialect and unique location.

"We have not only actively involved in various international organizations, and also enhanced cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiatives. Recently, we are planning to deepen communications with East Timor, given our historical friendship and long-term cooperative relations with the Southeastern nation. "

On December 20, 1999, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao.

Since then, Macao has given full play to its significant role of a bridge and service platform between the Chinese mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries.