Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) from December 18 to 20 to participate in celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. This milestone event commemorates a quarter-century since the former Portuguese colony was handed back to China in 1999.
During his visit, President Xi will attend the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of Macao SAR. This significant event will see the swearing-in of new administrative leaders who will guide Macao through the next term. President Xi’s presence underscores the central government’s support and commitment to the prosperity and stability of the region.
In addition to attending official ceremonies, President Xi will conduct an inspection tour of the SAR. The tour is expected to include meetings with local officials, community leaders, and visits to key infrastructure projects and cultural sites. This will provide an opportunity to assess the progress made in Macao over the past 25 years and discuss future development plans.
Macao has undergone significant transformation since its return to China, with substantial growth in its economy, particularly in the tourism and gaming industries. The region has also been actively diversifying its economy to include finance, technology, and cultural sectors. The anniversary celebrations and President Xi’s visit are seen as an affirmation of Macao’s achievements and its strategic importance in China’s overall development.
The upcoming events are anticipated to reinforce Macao’s role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiative, aiming to integrate the region more closely with the mainland’s economic framework. Residents and businesses in Macao are optimistic that the visit will bring new opportunities and strengthen the SAR’s unique position as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
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Xi Jinping to attend Macao's 25-year return anniversary celebration
cgtn.com
