The Macau Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei was launched May 13 to enhance exchanges between Taiwan and Macau, according to the ROC Mainland Affairs Council.
“The ROC’s renaming of its representative office in Macau [last July] and the establishment of its counterpart in Taipei resulted from the principles of goodwill and reciprocity held by both sides; these events are milestones in the development of bilateral relations,” MAC Minister Lai Shin-yuan said.
“The Macau government has always held a flexible and practical perspective when it comes to developing relationships between the two sides,” Lai continued. “We hope Taiwan and Macau can make full use of the platforms that have been set up to strengthen all aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanges.”
As an example of the benefits of working together, Lai noted that Taiwan concluded a mutual legal assistance agreement with mainland China last year, and that the results have been very promising thus far.
“Following the inking of the legal assistance agreement, the number of fraudulent crimes has dropped steadily, from 38,000 in 2009, to 28,000 in 2010, and 23,000 in 2011,” she said. “Taiwan and Macau should also sign such an agreement to ensure the rights and safety of their people.”
In addition, Lai noted that Macau’s unique geography and history helped strengthen its ties with Taiwan, with frequent exchanges among the private sectors of both sides. Like Taiwan, she added, Macau worships the goddess Matsu.
“Taiwan is Macau’s third largest source of tourism, and Taiwanese made over 580,000 visits there in 2011,” she said. “The number of tourists from Macau to Taiwan hit a record of more than 50,000 last year.
“The two sides should actively push for the renewal of the agreement on air traffic rights and the memorandum of understanding on mutual exemption of airline taxes, to encourage route opportunities and boost tourism on both sides,” Lai stressed, adding that the agreement and MOU expired more than six years ago in November 2005. (HZW)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw