Vice President arrives in Macao

The Vice President, Mr Xi Jinping, arrived in Macao today and said he wanted to learn more about Macao’s economy and the people’s livelihood on this two-day fact-finding visit. Mr Xi arrived at Border Gate Checkpoint about 9 a.m. and was welcomed by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va. After receiving a bouquet of flowers presented by children, Mr Xi told the press that Macao had gone through remarkable changes since its return to the motherland. As Macao had been facing the impacts of the global financial crisis, the Central Government gave much attention to Macao’s economy and its people’s livelihood. Speaking about his visit, he said he wanted to encourage the Macao people in dealing with the global financial crisis. He said he also wanted to go around the city, meet its people and learn more about its economy and the people’s livelihood. Mr Xi also extended his greetings and regards to the Macao people. Members of Mr Xi’s delegation included the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Mr Liao Hui; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; the Governor of Guangdong, Mr Huang Huahua; the Deputy Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Zhao Shengxuan; the Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council, Mr Bi Jingquan; the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Jiang Zengwei. Mr Xi is here at the invitation of the Macao SAR Government.