Macanese helps boost Macao, says Liu

Unique cultures and extensive links to the world shared among the Macanese would allow them to better promote the SAR's merits, the Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Ms Liu Yandong, said today. She was speaking when she visited the Taipa Houses-Museum this morning and met some Macanese as she continued her official visit to Macao. Ms Liu, who is also the Head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the Macanese had made significant contribution to Macao in the past few centuries, and was an integral part of the community. She said Macao was facing a new phase of development in the pursuit of prosperity and harmony, and this required the concerted efforts of all residents, including the Macanese community. On behalf of the Central Government, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Macanese in Macao, for their contribution to the Special Administrative Region (SAR). The SAR Government, led by Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, had placed much importance to the Macanese community since its establishment, she said. Some Macanese hold important posts in the SAR Government, with some being members of the Executive Council and Legislative Assembly. She urged the Macanese to continue to uphold the 'One country, two systems' principle and the Basic Law and support the governance of the Chief Executive. Moreover, the Macanese could make good use of their close connections with Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking countries to help promote Macao, she said.