China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has mapped out a plan to build a grand science and technology hall, which will not only be a showcase of technological advances and fruits, but a spot to lure tourists.

Authorities from the Macao Foundation, a sponsor of the scheme, told Xinhua Monday that a research group will soon leave for Europe to look at renowned technology halls scattered in various countries so as to "draw upon their idea and make Macao's hall perfect."

The Macao technology hall has been slated for inauguration in 2005, the year when the SAR will play host to the East Asian Games and annual conference of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

The structure, in line with preliminary designing programs, will have nine areas with different themes, a multi-function hall that can accommodate 500 people and a host of meeting rooms.

A science, technology and civilization area will show the technological modernization drive in Macao, achievements made in ancient China and by overseas Chinese and the latest technology information. In an imitation and fiction area, visitors will make a virtual tour in Macao and other tourist cities in the world.

There will be other areas introducing basic science, environmental science, bio-science, materials and new products, energy, auto-control and consultancy technology.

The hall is anticipated as a new tourism draw card for Macao, but the Macao Foundation authorities said till now the construction site for it has yet to be clinched, adding that one choice is on the southeastern tip of the Macao Peninsular, adjacent to the Macao Cultural Center.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2002)