CE underlines Macao’s platform role within national ‘dual-cycle’ strategy

Macao will give better play to its platform role in serving the country’s “dual-cycle” development pattern that relies on a domestic and an international economic cycle, but with the domestic cycle being the mainstay.

In his speech delivered today at a National Day reception, the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, mentioned Macao’s firm commitment in contributing to the domestic cycle under that development strategy, while advancing the city’s involvement in the progress of the country’s overall development.

The reception, hosted by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, was held at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex, with some 1,100 guests.

Macao would dedicate further effort in terms of engagement with the international economic cycle, so as to serve the country in opening to the world, and for the sustainable economic development of Macao, Mr Ho said.

In his speech, Mr Ho underlined the country’s solid support for Macao, in particular in the face of the unprecedented challenge associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the care of, and guidance provided by, the Central Government, Macao had been able to contain the virus from spreading locally. Mr Ho added that there had been, as of 30 September, zero local infections for 185 consecutive days, zero imported cases for 96 consecutive days, no fatalities, and no infection among either medical or healthcare staff.

These hard-won outcomes had been due to a joint effort across the community, and the Government’s unswerving commitment to taking all necessary steps – without reservation in terms of the cost – to prevent and control the disease, Mr Ho added.

The local economy was expected to recover gradually, assisted by the resumption of visa issuance under the facilitated individual travel scheme for mainland China residents wishing to visit Macao as tourists, Mr Ho stated.

The Chief Executive stressed the Macao SAR Government always bore in mind the missions of diligently and comprehensively upholding the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s instructions, by implementing the “Four Aspirations”, “Four Persistences” and “Four Expectations”. Mr Ho also spoke of Macao’s firm adherence to the principles of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and a high degree of autonomy; and continued pursuit of the development of Macao’s strategic positioning as a world centre of tourism and leisure, and as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (collectively known as the “Centre and Platform” policies).

The Chief Executive went on to say that the Macao SAR Government would continue with its administrative policy direction, by fighting the pandemic, safeguarding employment, stabilising the economy, caring for people’s livelihoods, implementing reform, and facilitating development.

While making its best efforts in epidemic prevention and control, promoting economic recovery, protecting people’s livelihoods, facilitating public administration reform, and expediting urban development, the Macao SAR Government would actively promote the development of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone planned for the island of Hengqin.

Macao closely adhered to the motherland, and shared its destiny, said the Chief Executive. Macao’s successful implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle fully demonstrated that this was the best and the superior system in terms of offering the vital strength to maintain Macao’s long-term prosperity and stability.

Mr Ho said the Macao SAR Government would step up effort in patriotic education and youth services, thus fostering patriotism, and passing on the core values of loyalty to the country and to Macao. The Government would also stand firm in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests.

Guests attending the reception included: Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wa; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Yao Jian; Mr Chui Sai On; Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Ms Wang Dong; the Commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison, Mr Xu Liangcai; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Kou Hoi In; and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai; members of the Executive Council and of the Legislative Assembly; Government principal officials; Macao’s delegates to the National People’s Congress, and to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; and people from across the community.

In the morning, the Chief Executive and circa 550 guests had attended the National Day flag-raising ceremony held at Golden Lotus Square.

Other celebrations taking place today to mark the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China include: a fireworks show – themed “Full Moon National Day Fireworks Celebration by Macao and Hengqin” – on the waterfront near the Macau Tower at 9pm; and “Performance to celebrate the 71st Anniversary of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China and the Haojiang Moonlight Night – Ethnic Dance Drama Awakening Lion”, staged at 7.30pm at Macao Cultural Centre.(More)