The Macao Special Administrative Region and Fujian province should deepen their cooperation and jointly work towards the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, said Edmund Ho Hau Wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), during a visit to the province in East China on Sept 22.

Ho listened to a report given by Yu Weiguo, Party secretary of Fujian, on COVID-19 prevention and control, the province's development and bilateral cooperation between Macao and Fujian, and met with some top provincial officials, as he led a delegation of CPPCC National Committee members from Macao.

Ho said that the survey was the first visit by the delegation of CPPCC National Committee members from Macao to the neighboring Fujian since Macao's return to the motherland 20 years ago.

Macao and Fujian have long enjoyed a solid foundation for cooperation, Ho said, adding that the two regions should carry out pragmatic cooperation towards larger goals by taking advantage of the "one country, two systems" policy and Fujian's economic and social development, as well as the local connections that can contribute to Fujian's comprehensive cooperation with Macao's enterprises.

Ho encouraged Fujian to help boost Macao's integration into the country's overall development and, together with Macao, grasp the opportunities brought about by the construction of the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road, which could create a new platform for Macao to appropriately diversify its economy.

Ho invited Fujian's officials to visit Macao to inspire local residents and further promote cooperation between Macao and Fujian.

Ho also praised Fujian's efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the economic and social development achievements the province has made during the pandemic.