Macao entrepreneurs donated over 14 million patacas (US$1.75 million) for China's space projects on Friday.

Ma Man Kei, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presented the check to Bai Zhijian, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao Special Administrative Region, at the liaison office building.

Bai at the donation ceremony expressed the gratitude to the Macao people for their support to the development of the national space technology.

He said he will hand over the check to the concerned authorities soon.

Ma Man Kei said the Macao people wish that the motherland would have a more promising future and the donation is an illustration of the people's patriotism.

Macao people from all talks of life donated 14 million patacas (US$1.75 million) for China's space cause in 2003, when the first manned spacecraft was successfully launched.

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2005)