The Government would spare no efforts in driving economic development and maintaining social stability. The was stated by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, when he addressed more than 1,000 guests at the National Day reception hosted by the Government at the Macau Tower this morning. Reviewing the motherland's achievement, Mr Chui said it now boasted the second largest overall Gross Domestic Product in the world and had been making contributions to the world economy amid global economic uncertainties. The launch of the Tiangong-1 space station module marked another breakthrough in the nation's aerospace technology and its prosperity ensured Macao's advances, he said. The stronger economic and trading links with the mainland enabled Macao to better co-ordinate with the nation's development, he said. Macao was making full use of its advantages in tourism and trading in promoting the business platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. On Macao, Mr Chui said the Government attached much importance in monitoring the rising inflation rate, which had been causing difficulties to the general public, especially the disadvantaged groups. The Government had introduced a string of relief measures, such as lowering the rent for public housing tenants, establishing food banks and providing a one-off cash allowance. It would continue to monitor the fluctuating inflation rate and introduce new measures when necessary, he said. The Government would closely monitor the global economy, continue to boost the people's livelihood, and strive for a stable and co-ordinated development of Macao's economy. On behalf of the Government, Mr Chui extended gratitude to the Central Government for its all-out effort in supporting Macao, as well as the Liaison Office, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army. The reception was also attended by the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the MSAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue; Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va; the President of Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai, and Macao's principal officials and community leaders.
