Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday praised the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its remarkable achievements over the past five “extraordinary” years, highlighting the region’s resilience and progress amidst global challenges.
Speaking at a welcome dinner hosted by the Macao SAR government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China, President Xi commended the fifth-term SAR government for uniting the people across all sectors to overcome unprecedented difficulties.
“Against the backdrop of accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and the once-in-a-century pandemic, Macao has risen to the challenge,” Xi noted. “The SAR government has made results-oriented efforts, ensured steady economic recovery, and achieved progress in all undertakings.”
Over the past five years, Macao has made significant strides in diversifying its economy appropriately and elevating the well-being of its residents. Xi highlighted that the region’s political and social foundation, rooted in love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao, is now stronger than ever.
“Macao’s international influence and visibility have risen significantly,” he said, attributing these accomplishments to the faithful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, robust support from the central government and the mainland, and active involvement from the international community.
President Xi urged Macao to proactively align with national development strategies, such as building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to seek a larger role on the international stage. He encouraged the SAR to uphold values of openness, inclusiveness, and solidarity, and to attract top talent to jointly build a better Macao.
“Macao needs to demonstrate stronger resolve and greater courage in reform and innovation,” Xi stated, emphasizing the potential to leverage the institutional strengths of “One Country, Two Systems” to break new ground in development.
Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the SAR, also addressed the gathering, expressing his belief that Macao should make greater contributions to building China into a stronger country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Ho expressed confidence that the incoming sixth-term chief executive of Macao SAR, Sam Hou Fai, will lead the new government and all sectors of Macao to write a new chapter in practicing “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao characteristics.
Reference(s):
Xi commends Macao's achievements in past 5 'extraordinary' years
cgtn.com
