Macao will proceed with achievements, says CE

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today the Government is convinced that the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) will overcome the financial crisis and other obstacles, and proceed towards its glorious 10th anniversary with positive achievements. Mr Ho made this remark in an address at a reception to mark the 9th anniversary of the MSAR. “Throughout these nine years, Macao citizens and the MSAR government have joined forces to overcome difficulties and challenges through continuous self-adjustment, gradual reform, leveraging advantages against shortcomings, and persistence and tolerance. “We have stood the test of time with continued improvement and intensification in the interaction, mutual trust, tacit understanding and collaboration between citizens and the government. “We have to maintain the mutual support between citizens and the government and among all circles in society, and to persist in an optimistic, progressive and pragmatic attitude with innovative ideas. “We are not only confident about overcoming the impact of the financial crisis, but also believe the government and the local community will learn from the challenge and emerge from it stronger. “Our resilience to adversity and hardship also helps us gain experience and inspiration from a macro point of view, creating better conditions for the MSAR’s future socio-economic development and all-round progress in “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and “A high degree of autonomy”. “The full support from the Central People’s Government during these nine years has been a vital reassurance for the stable development of the MSAR. The central government has always shown concern for us and has provided us with solid support at every important moment. “Supported by our country’s comprehensive national strength, we have overcome various major challenges in the past nine years. Equipped with significant confidence and courage, we definitely will conquer the financial crisis and other obstacles along the road to our bright future. “This is also a meaningful year for the Macao SAR during its nine-year development under “One country, two systems”. An unprecedented national cohesion and a sense of national pride have been established among Chinese in the wake of the relief efforts for the Sichuan earthquake, the Beijing Olympic Games and the Shenzhou-7 manned space mission. “Through these events, Chinese people in Macao shared with their mainland counterparts their hopes and patriotism, fully demonstrating the profound and robust ethical spirit of “One country, two systems”. “With this spirit, we are convinced that the Macao SAR will proceed towards its glorious 10th Anniversary with achievements and hopes for a successful start to its second decade on the back of our hard work over the past nine years, so long as we all observe the Basic Law, persistently implement “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao”, and “A high degree of autonomy”, and maintain a proper vision of striving for improvement, sharing common goals and fulfilling our commitments.” He extended gratitude to the Central People’s Government, its organisations based in Macao, all civil servants and the entire community for their support. About 1,000 guests attended the reception, including the Director of the Central Government Liaison Office in Macao, Mr Bai Zhijian; the Commissioner of the Macao SAR Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Mr Lu Shumin; the Commander of the Chinese PLA Garrison in the Macao SAR, Major General Wang Yuren; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Ms Susana Chou; the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Sam Hou Fai, as well as principal officials and community leaders. Earlier this morning, more than 300 guests and officials attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at Lotus Square presided over by the Chief Executive. There will be a firework display in the evening as a finale to events of the much-celebrated day, together with other activities to be held by a number of civic organisations to celebrate the anniversary.