The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) has to focus on both continuity and innovation for it to usher in a better tomorrow. This is the advice from the President, Mr Hu Jintao, in a speech at a dinner reception to welcome him on his two-day to Macao. Mr Hu told the gathering that the Central Government had decided to present a pair of pandas to the MSAR to mark the 10th anniversary of its return to China. According to the President, the MSAR has made unprecedented achievements in the past decade, as reflected in the region’s sustained economic growth, social stability and improved international standing. He said: “All these stand as living proof of the immense vitality of the principle of ‘One country, two systems.’” Mr Hu also reaffirmed the Central Government’s steadfast support for the long term stability and prosperity of Macao in strict accordance with the Macao Basic Law. Noting that Mr Chui Sai On would be sworn in tomorrow as the next Chief Executive of Macao, the President urged the next administration to build on the success of the last 10 years and make fresh headway in the development of Macao. He stressed that it was important for Macao to keep up its good work while finding new ways to meet the challenges of changing times. “Only by striking a balance between continuity and innovation can we move forward on the basis of past achievements and take Macao’s development to a new level,” he said. Also addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho, said the 10th anniversary of Macao’s return to China spoke volumes about the wisdom and bold vision of Mr. Deng Xiaoping, who proposed the great concept of “One country, two systems”. “We also remember the encouragement entrusted to us by President Jiang Zemin on the first anniversary of Macao’s return to China. We will also never forget the visit of President Hu Jintao on the fifth anniversary of the MSAR and his four important suggestions which has been giving us fundamental guidance,” noted Mr Ho. He added he was confident that Macao would scale new heights under the leadership of the incoming Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. This evening’s reception, held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, was attended by more than 500 dignitaries.
