(Macao – 20 December 2005) - The past six years have shown us that the people’s love for the country and Macao formed the mainstay of Macao – and this will always be the case no matter how the society changes in the years to come. The Chief Executive, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said this at the cocktail reception in celebration of the Sixth Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. “Therefore, we must unite in building Macao’s future, Mr Ho said. “We must reform our old ways of thinking to stay in step with changing times, maintain our alertness about new challenges and anticipate the future, constantly striving for self-improvement, and never become complacent about our present well-being. “We must build up the capabilities of our people to contribute to our progress, like inviting all the rivers to flow into the sea; guide the development of our younger generation so that we can put our future into their hands; and integrate good traditions with modern values. “By advancing in line with changing times, we must build a strong and sturdy political foundation that will enable us to implement effectively the central government’s policies, the Basic Law, and the principle of “One country, two systems”, ensuring Macao’s capacity to encounter future challenges. Only in this way can we guarantee the healthy development of a capitalistic market economy under the principle of “One country, two systems”, as well as the gradual development of the political aspects of Macao, in line with the principle of “Macao people governing Macao”. Mr Ho said the inroads have been made in Macao’s flagship industry since the handover and the breakthrough in its development was driving the growth of Macao’s service industries. “Investment sentiment is strong, and we have seen great achievements in the areas of education, science, technology, and cultural development. The overall development trend is encouraging. Both citizens and investors have full confidence in Macao’s future,” he said. “We received prestigious World Heritage Site status, and we successfully hosted the 4th East Asian Games, thus further enhancing Macao’s international image and consolidating cohesion among local citizens. We must continue to promote the positive effects of these achievements so that they become major resources in our society. The third-term Macao Legislative Assembly Elections was successfully held a few months ago, satisfying the concerns and expectations of citizens in the process. It must be emphasised that the policy address for the coming year is not just a mandatory administrative report by the Government; it is also a manifestation of the collective wisdom of all our citizens,” Mr Ho said. “Thanks to the combined influences of various factors, the local economy last year grew rapidly at an unusual pace. Market mechanisms have now regulated its speed and put the economy back onto a reasonable and healthy development track. The sound pace of development gives us a good opportunity to review our own deficiencies and improve ourselves, so that we can generate greater energy to meet the even bigger changes that will soon come. Without doubt, the local community of Macao is facing both quantitative and qualitative changes. Due to lack of experience, we inevitably met with challenges and difficulties during the transition between Macao’s old and new situations. “However, safeguarded by the Basic Law, and with the strong support of the motherland and the combined efforts of all our citizens, we are confident we can leverage on the opportunities presented as we enter a new era, and build a unique and sophisticated society in the course of continuous self-improvement.” Mr Ho said since the establishment of the MSAR, Macao sped up in co-operation with counterparts in the region and the building of relevant platforms that would enable Macao to play a role in its development. “We have already seen positive effects and gained benefits from this process. Even more important, the strong and all-round support of the central government has effectively promoted Macao’s development. “At around this time last year, President Hu Jintao gave us warm words of encouragement. He also expressed his expectations of us, which the local community agrees with. Looking to the future, we must repay the central government and our compatriots throughout the country by scoring even greater accomplishments. We must maintain the progress the MSAR has achieved in the past six years, and head towards an even better future that is successful in every way.” About 1,000 guests attended the reception, namely the Vice President of CPPCC, Mr Ma Man Kei, 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, Wan Yongxiang, commander of the Chinese PLA Garrison Troops in the Macao SAR, Liu Lianhua,, the President of the Legislative Assembly, Susana Chou, the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Sam Hou Fai, as well as principal officials and community leaders. More than 200 guests attended the flag-raising ceremony, which was followed by a variety show. There will be a firework display in the evening to mark the end of events of the much celebrated day.
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