Macao SAR ready to administer maritime zone effectively

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government is ready to administer the maritime zone effectively, the Government Spokesperson's Office said.

Under a draft map of administrative divisions approved on Wednesday by the State Council, an area of 85 square km of sea east and south of Macao and a border inspection building are to be administered by the Macao SAR.

O Lam, head of the Chief Executive's Office, told a press conference on Wednesday night that the administration of maritime zone would be strictly in accordance with the law.

Any proposal for land reclamation would be reported to the central government, and there would be no gaming facilities operated in the zone, she said.

The official emphasized Macao's respect of the central government's jurisdiction over defense and foreign affairs matters in the maritime zone.

An interdepartmental group, led by Chief Executive Chui Sai On, will be set up in charge of planning the further diversified cooperation between Macao and Guangdong province for the enduring prosperity of the region, she said.

The Macao SAR government has reached agreements with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the State Oceanic Administration to facilitate the access of vessels from the mainland and ensure the navigation safety, according to the official.

Head of a joint task group and director of the Macao Marine and Water Bureau Wong Soi Man said three administrative regulations would be issued as well in support of the administration of the maritime zone.

Wong Sio Chak, secretary for security and interim director general of the Macao Customs Service, said the SAR government would acquire several patrol boats and expand the maritime patrol team to 190 people.

The demarcation of Macao's maritime and land zone will facilitate the Macao SAR government to engage in environmental management near Canal dos Patos, a waterway between Macao and Zhuhai, a city of neighboring Guangdong province, according to Director of the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau Cheong Sio Kei.