Macao's gross domestic product (GDP) saw a growth rate of 16.6 percent in 2006, the second highest since the region returned to the Chinese motherland in 1999, according to official statistics issued Monday.

The figures released by the government-run Statistics and Census Service (SCS) showed that the GDP reached a record 114.36 billion patacas (US$14.30 billion) in 2006.

The SCS attributes the GDP hike mainly to the "open policy" implemented by the central government to help promote Macao's economic development.

"The mainland's individual visit program and the gradual appreciation of the yuan brought to Macao a huge influx of visitors, helping the region's tourism industry gain strong impetus," a statement issued by the SCS said.

Meanwhile, the region's pillar gaming industry saw a 22-percent rise in its receipts in 2006, also contributing largely to the GDP growth, said the statement.

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2007)