Measures announced in the Policy Address to develop the economy and promote people's livelihood will be put in place, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said this morning at a reception to mark the eighth anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). “During the eight years since the Macao SAR's establishment, we have emphasised the importance of achieving consensus within our community and a scientific attitude towards its development,” said Mr Ho in his address. “This practical and phased approach has enabled us to grasp opportunities and surmount a number of challenges, thus laying the foundations for the progressive and sustainable development of Macao's society. “All these achievements are due to the Central People's Government's dedicated support and the continuous efforts of all our citizens. We have demonstrated the wisdom and vitality of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao”, and a “High degree of autonomy” in shaping our history and our future. “Throughout these eight years, Macao citizens have enthusiastically taken part in public affairs with a strong awareness of their rights and duties under the concept of “Macao people governing Macao”. The number of participants in these has constantly increased; the range of their participation has constantly expanded; and the degree of their participation has constantly risen. “Leading members in all sections of society have formed an important driving force behind this spirit of participation, and their involvement has brought forth many new insights. The strong momentum, enthusiasm and determination with which the community has supported “Macao people governing Macao” has been an outstanding feature of this period, and it has provided boundless inspiration and impetus for our administration. “In the future, the SAR Government will continue to implement the policies and programmes that it has already planned by means of high-quality, highly efficient and very effective measures, so that it can gradually fulfil its commitments concerning economic development and improvement in the people's livelihood, as well as its various other administrative objectives. “We hope to expedite certain programmes and achieve even better results if conditions allow. To realise this, we must enhance our interaction with the community, raise the level of transparency in our public administration, and communicate closely with the public and report on the progress and achievements of the Government's work. “This includes reporting on areas where we need to make adjustments, and answering the public's enquiries in order to enhance its confidence in the Government. If the public is kept fully informed, it will then be able to monitor and support the Government's public administration more effectively. “The SAR Government will continue to adhere strictly to the Basic Law, increase its competency, enhance its achievements in upholding the law, build on its administrative experience over the past eight years, and rely on the leadership and support of the central government. “The SAR Government will further promote the community's correct understanding and practical implementation of the Basic Law by setting a good example through its own actions to build an advanced society that is free of corruption and fair, and a special administrative region with a high degree of civilisation that is based on the rule of law. “We strongly believe that, given our incessant self-improvement during these past eight years and provided the Government and community continue to uphold the effective values and principles that we have adopted, the people of Macao will certainly be able to grasp present-day and future opportunities, and they will overcome present-day and future difficulties and challenges. “Through constant effort and self-improvement, we will surely be able to score ever-greater achievements and enjoy more and more of the fruits of development with every passing year,” he said. More than 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 Wan Yongxiang; Commander of the Chinese PLA Garrison Troops in the Macao SAR, Liu Lianhua; 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.
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