President Hu Jintao praises the achievement of Macao

President Hu Jintao and the Central Government delegation attended a gala banquet at the Macao Tower to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. President Hu praised the achievement of Macao in the past five years: “What has happened in Macao in the past five years offers a compelling evidence that our policy of "one country, two systems" is a fundamental guarantee of Macao's sustained development and its long-term prosperity and stability. It shows that the Macao people have the wisdom, ability and means to properly administer, build and develop Macao.” President Hu said in his address:" Since Macao's return five years ago, our basic policies of ‘one country, two systems’, ‘Macao people administering Macao’ and a high degree of autonomy have been fully implemented. Under the leadership of the Macao SAR Government headed by Chief Executive Mr. Ho Hau Wah, the people of Macao have closed ranks and worked hard, thus opening a new chapter in Macao's history. “Today, Macao enjoys greater social stability and harmony, sustained economic growth and a peaceful and contented population. The Central Government and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups are exceptionally happy to see this. " We will continue to unswervingly follow the policy of "one country, two systems", unswervingly administer the region in accordance with law by upholding the authority of the Basic Law, unswervingly support the SAR Government in its efforts to develop the economy, improve the people's livelihood and maintain stability, and unswervingly carry out the policy of "Macao people administering Macao" with patriots playing the dominant role, practising the high degree of autonomy and achieving the broadest unity under the banner of loving the motherland and loving Macao. " The gratifying situation in Macao is closely linked with the excellent situation in the reform and development on the mainland. Right now, our motherland is in a very good shape. “All these achievements are attributable to the concerted efforts of all the Chinese people, including our compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao. We have full confidence in the future of our motherland. “It is certain that China's ongoing reform, opening-up and modernisation drive will provide stronger impetus, greater opportunities and broader horizon for Macao's development. When China succeeds, Macao is bound to prosper. We too have full confidence in Macao's future. “I am sure that under the leadership of the Macao SAR Government headed by Mr. Ho Hau Wah, our Macao compatriots will carry forward the glorious tradition of loving the motherland and loving Macao, work closely together with heart and soul to make every undertaking in Macao a success and add brilliant new pages to the great practice of ‘one country, two systems, “ said the Vice Premier. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive said id in his speech that the Macao SAR, since its establishment five years ago, had continued to overcome odds. He said “One Contry Two Systems”,”Macao People Administrating Macao” and a high degree of autonomy had been implemented soundly in Macao and attributed the achievements to the sound foundation laid down by the Basic law and the efforts of the residents. "The successful implementation of ‘One Country Two Systems" in Macao relied on the great thought and historical choice of Mr Deng Xiaopeng and the care and support of the whole nation, ” Mr Ho stressed. "The Fifth Anniversay is the new beginning of our exertion. We will continue to stay firm and united, taking pragmatic steps to enhance our work in all aspect of Macao, committed to the love for the country and for Macao, and regards our people as priority.” Following his address, President Hu and Mr Ho proposed a toast to all guests and expressed wished Macao a brilliant future.