President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has set a new course for the region’s future under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. According to an article published by the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and China’s State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Xi’s visit has provided significant guidance for Macao’s development.
Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Macao from Wednesday to Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. He attended the inauguration of the sixth-term government of the SAR and conducted an inspection tour of the region.
During his three-day visit, President Xi attended 18 events and engaged in extensive discussions with people from all walks of life. His series of important speeches highlighted his high recognition of Macao’s achievements, his concern for the well-being of Macao residents, and his vision for the region’s future prosperity.
Celebrating Macao’s Achievements
At the ceremony on Friday, Xi praised the “tremendous success” of the “One Country, Two Systems” practice with Macao characteristics. He commended the enormous transformation in the region, emphasizing Macao’s advancements in economic and social development, improvements in residents’ livelihoods, and the expansion of external cooperation. “Macao residents enjoy a wider range of rights and freedoms than at any other time in history,” he noted.
Since 1999, Macao’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown from 51.9 billion patacas (about $6.23 billion) to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023. The per capita GDP has more than quadrupled to around $70,000. The number of inbound tourists soared from 7.74 million to over 28 million, and fiscal reserves increased from 13 billion patacas to more than 600 billion patacas.
In enhancing well-being, the region offers free education from kindergarten to senior high school, and the average life expectancy has risen from 77.9 years in 1999 to 83.1 years in 2023.
Macao has also strengthened its governance system. Since 2009, the Macao SAR has completed legislation on safeguarding national security as stipulated by Article 23 of the Macao SAR Basic Law, firmly upholding the constitutional order of the SAR.
President Xi’s commendation and encouragement have instilled greater confidence in Macao to continue on its path of development. The region is more determined than ever to govern effectively, build sustainably, and develop its unique role within China.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com