Speeches and Articles by U.S. Consul General James B. Cunningham

Remarks by U.S. Consul General James B. Cunningham
At a reception hosted by the U.S. Consulate General

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Macau
September 15, 2005

(As prepared for delivery)

U.S. Consul General James B. Cunningham

Thank you all for coming. I particularly want to thank Chief Executive Ho for the concern he has expressed for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. It is the largest natural disaster that we've ever experienced in the United States, affecting an area of over 90,000 square miles and destroying one of our major cities, New Orleans, a city slightly larger than Macau. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes. We'll rebuild, but it will take much effort and many resources. In this effort, we deeply appreciate the concern and aid offered by people around the world. One hundred and eighteen countries and 12 international organizations have offered assistance to the relief effort. It represents an excellent example of how the international community can cooperate in the face of such disasters.

The U.S. and Macau have enjoyed trading ties dating back over two centuries. The past few years in particular have seen enormous U.S. interest and investment in Macau. Macau's liberalization of the gaming industry to include foreign competition has altered the economic landscape. U.S. investment in the gaming industry here is already at $300 million, with more planned. American companies have realized the wonderful opportunities that Macau offers, including its tourism and its close proximity to mainland China. In fact, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong formally inaugurated its Macau Committee today with 50 members. This committee aims to promote American business interests in the territory and to promote Macau. We wish the committee every success and hope it serves the interests of its members and of Macau.

Our relationship involves much more than investment and trade, however. U.S. and Macau law enforcement cooperation is critical to the bilateral relationship. Just two days ago we held a digital videoconference on combating terrorist financing, working with the American Corner at the University of Macau and the Macau Monetary Authority. Macau is an important actor in the war on terror because it recognizes that terrorists are seeking to exploit small and potentially vulnerable actors.

Macau financial authorities have directed banks to search for terrorist accounts and other irregularities. We appreciate the efforts already made on this important issue and urge the Macau government to step up its efforts. We also hope that Macau will soon pass money laundering legislation and fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, a wide-ranging, comprehensive resolution with steps and strategies to combat international terrorism.

Beyond counterterrorism, our law enforcement officials are working much more closely together. The United States provides training to Macau law enforcement officials, focusing on countering money laundering, drug trafficking, as well as terrorism. In addition, our two customs services have cooperated in inspections of suspected illegal textile transshipments. In fact, we recently signed a bilateral agreement to facilitate this cooperation in the future.

Asia is facing many challenges in the next few years, including fighting terrorism, building democracy, and strengthening economic ties with the rest of the world. The United States is committed to Asia and a peaceful, prosperous future for all of its people. Macau has an extremely bright future. Again, thanks to each of you for coming, and I look forward to working with you all over the next three years for our mutual prosperity and security.

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