The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Tung Chee Hwa on December 16 said that Hong Kong will further enhance the economic cooperation with Macao after its return to the motherland.

Tung said the future cooperation between Hong Kong and Macao is promising. The cooperative projects will be planned in tourism industry and joint efforts will be made to develop the area of Pearl River Delta with Guangdong Province.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Tung said that the concept of "One Country, Two Systems" has been well- implemented in Hong Kong in all aspects of life over the past two and a half years, adding that he believes that it will also be well-implemented in Macao.

Tung said he is optimistic about the future of Macao and the success of the reunification of the motherland since what Hong Kong has done over the past years proved that the concept of "One Country, Two Systems" is correct and powerful.

"China's resumption of sovereignty over Macao is the pride of the nation and it is very precious opportunity to witness another celebration of historical significance," Tung said. He will attend the ceremony to be held in Macao on December 20, 1999. Hong Kong's experience must be helpful to the newly-born Macao' s SAR government, Tung said, adding that "on one hand, we must spare no effort to maintain the two systems, and on the other we must be active in helping the Hong Kong people know more about the motherland.

Over the past years, the Hong Kong SAR government has played an important role in the construction of Hong Kong's economy, especially in infrastructure, including the construction of airport, roads and tourism facilities, Tung said.

"The government should help create favorable environment for local people to display their talents and capacity," he said. "In addition to the hardware, we have helped create favorable software environment, including investment in education and living environment." (Xinhua)