President Xi Jinping met Macau Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On in Beijing on Friday.
Xi said the central government fully appreciates the work of Chui and his government, adding that Macau has set an example in implementing the “one country, two systems” principle and the Basic Law, as well as safeguarding national security and unity.
Chui was in Beijing to report to the central government on his work this year.
Under Chui’s leadership, the Macau government has focused on policies to boost the economy, improve people’s livelihood and ensure stable development this year, Xi said, adding Chui’s government has done a lot of work in advancing public administration reform, promoting “appropriate diversification” of its economy, keeping the city’s gaming industries under check and dealing with major issues in accordance with the law.
By mapping out the first five-year development plan for Macau, Chui and his government actively co-ordinated with the nation’s 13lh Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative, moves that showed Macau’s commitment to long-term development, Xi said.
Xi said the general situation in Macau is good, and the economy and people’s livelihood are improving.
He called on Chui and his government to lead and unite all circles to carry forward the tradition of loving the country and Macau, while sticking to national strategy and ensuring the prosperity and stability of the special administrative region.
Chui and his government were told to make boosting the economy and improving people’s livelihood their priority and to efficiently govern the region in accordance with the law to make Macau more prosperous.
On behalf of the central government and himself, Xi asked Chui to convey New Year greetings to all Macau citizens.
In a separate meeting with Chui on Friday, Premier Li Keqiang expressed appreciation of Macau’s efforts to achieve a fiscal surplus, promote the job market, boost diversified development and maintain social harmony and stability, in face of the pressure of an economic downturn.
The premier said the central government would give full support to the Macau government and the chief executive’s governance in accordance with the law, adding it would also back Macau’s efforts to boost economic development, im- prove people’s livelihood, promote public administration reform and integrate its development with the country’s development.
He also called on Macau to make new headway as a service platform for business and trade co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Chui said guidance and assistance from the central government, especially a series of preferential policies, have vigorously bolstered social and economic development in Macau, as well as its opening up to the outside and external co-operation, adding that his government will work to maintain economic stability and continue improving people’s livelihood.
(Macau News / The Macau Post Daily)
