Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General Michael Klosson

Remarks by U.S. Consul General Michael Klosson at the Autumn Reception

September 25, 2000
Macau, China

I'm very pleased to welcome so many Macau SAR government officials and distinguished members of Macau society, including Americans resident in Macau, to our reception.

With the U.S. Senate's passage last week of permanent normal trade relations status for China, this is indeed an auspicious moment for all of us. China's forthcoming accession to the WTO will stimulate economic growth for China and her trading partners, encourage development of the rule of law and greater transparency required by the WTO system, and contribute to China's greater integration into the global economy. While posing challenges, it also represents an opportunity for Macau and its companies.

Tonight's Autumn reception, the second since I took up my assignment as the U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau a little over a year ago, is just one way in which we acknowledge our cooperation and friendship with Macau and all of you.

The year since our last Autumn reception has witnessed monumental changes in Macau. The new flags one sees on arrival at the ferry terminal are a bright symbol of the Macau SAR's new identity and the fact that Macau is run by Macau people. Happily, it is also a symbol of the preservation of Macau's unique culture and way of life, and especially the preservation of the many freedoms -- freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press to name a few -- which the people of Macau continue to enjoy.

This time last year, I was eager to assure the people of Macau that the United States would remain engaged in post-handover Macau. I am happy to say that indeed has that been the case. In fact, our cooperation in all areas -- diplomatic, cultural and business -- has flourished. To give but a few examples:

In January this year, the first ever parliamentary delegation to visit the Macau SAR Legislative Assembly came from the United States. Just last month Senator Lautenberg from New Jersey was the first Senator to call on Chief Executive Edmund Ho.

In March, the first-ever "America Day in Macau" was held at the Macau World Trade Center promoting U.S. ties with Macau. I gave a speech underscoring the U.S. interest in the success of the Macau Special Administrative Region. We showcased American products, provided information on study opportunities in America and assisted American citizens.

We have also pursued an energetic policy dialogue with Macau officials on our key interests. The U.S. government and music, film and software industries very much appreciate the cooperation of the Government of Macau in combating Intellectual Property Rights piracy. The progress achieved by Macau's efforts in this area resulted in the Macau SAR's removal from USTR's Priority Watch List earlier this year. We hope the Macau Government and courts will keep up and intensify the pace of enforcement.

Likewise, we are working with the Government of Macau to combat illegal textile transshipment, which damages the market reputation of legitimate Macau apparel manufacturers, and undermines the government's effort to uphold its WTO obligations. In this regard, I am delighted to announce that our two governments have reached agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding on Textile Transhipment Cooperation. This MOU will facilitate cooperation between our respective Customs services in identifying illegal transshippers and separating legitimate and illegitimate commerce. The Macau government's resolve in finalizing this MOU speaks well of the Chief Executive's leadership in ensuring that Macau is recognized as a constructive and law-abiding participant in the WTO system.

Our cooperation in law enforcement continues to grow. The law enforcement agencies at the Consulate very much appreciate their productive relationships with their Macau counterparts. They look forward to working with the new Customs Service when it is up and runnning.

Finally, we want to build on our economic and commercial links. I'd like to extend a special welcome tonight to the eight members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong's Leadership Delegation who made their first official visit to the Macau SAR today and called on senior officials and business associations. I hope this is the beginning of a very fruitful relationship.

We look forward to increased cooperation in all the areas I've mentioned. For my part, as American Consul General for Macau, I am encouraging American officials to visit Macau, to become familiar with your unique historical and cultural diversity, and to see the success of your new Special Administrative Region under Chinese sovereignty. We wish Macau great continued success under the One Country Two Systems arrangement.

Now, I offer a toast to the friendship between the Macau SAR and the United States, the past, present and future. Kan bui!

*     *     *     *     *