It was resolved in January 1967 with the signing of a protocol between the governor and leftist organizations. General relations have been peaceful and economically advantageous to both parties. Portugal and China established diplomatic relations in 1979, and a year later, Gen. Melo Egidio became the first governor of Macau to visit China. The visit underscored both parties' interest in finding a mutually agreeable solution to Macau's status. Negotiations between the two countries began in 1985, a year after the signing of the Sino-U.K. agreement returning Hong Kong to China in 1997, and concluded in 1987 with an agreement that will return Macau to Chinese authority in 1999.
Industry is linked closely to exports.
Leading industries are textiles and garments, plastics, and electronics. Macau has 11 deluxe and first-class hotels with 2,600 rooms. Although small quantities of rice and vegetables are grown locally, most of Macau's foodstuffs and all of its fresh water are imported from China. US passport holders must have visas to travel to Macau. Tourist visas can be obtained from the Portuguese Consulate in Hong Kong or upon entry to Macau from Hong Kong.