As a part of the first Shanghai Macao Week, the launch ceremony of the Shanghai-Macau Economic Cultural Development Association was held on November 11.

Attendees of the ceremony included He Houhua, first chief executive of the Macao SAR, and Wang Jue, vice president of the Shanghai Chinese Overseas Friendship Association.

The Shanghai-Macau Economic Cultural Development Association is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting exchanges and cooperation between Shanghai and Macao, in the fields of economy, trade, technology, culture, education, youth development and professional services.

(Guests cut the ribbon for the launch of the association. Photo: Hou Kong Daily)

While addressing the audience, Ms. Su Xiangmei, president of the association, shared how it came into being. She said that as China’s “one country, two systems” policy enters a new era, the exchanges between the two cities have been strengthened over the past years. Not long ago, Shanghai and Macao governments established a cooperative meeting mechanism to deepen practical cooperation with each other. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. Thus, the association was formed.

During an interview with Eastday reporters, Ms. Feng Yi, chief councilor of the association, said that another intention of the association is to boost mutual learning and the common prosperity of the two cities. Shanghai boasts advanced technology and financial management ideas, while Macao is adept at the blending of Eastern and Western cultures, especially Chinese and Portuguese cultures.

In addition, the association will not only serve as a platform for communication between the two governments, but also promote people-to-people exchanges, added Feng. In the near future, as she revealed, we can expect a New Year concert to be held in Shanghai and Macao. Also, the association will invite the Shanghai Ballet to perform in Macao, so that Macao residents can enjoy Shanghai culture.

Dong Yunhu, chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, sent a congratulatory letter to the establishment of the association. He hopes it can unite friendly people and compatriots in both places, and make a positive contribution to further exchanges and cooperation between Shanghai and Macao.