Vice President supports diversification of Macao economy

The Vice President, Mr Xi Jinping, said today the Central Government would give its all-out support to Macao’s drive to establishing a more diversified economy, and disclosed that the development of Hengqin Island will give more space for Macao’s development. Mr Xi made these remarks when he addressed the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, principal officials, and about 100 community leaders and dignitaries at Macao East Asian Games Dome in the afternoon. He said it was critical for Macao to diversify its economic spectrum in the long run and the Central Government and Guangdong Province would introduce some measures to fuel Macao’s drive to establishing a more diversified economy. He revealed that the Central Government had decided to further develop Hengqin Island, and would make use of the island to promote the economic diversification of Macao. Mr Xi also spoke of the key points of a speech made by President Hu Jintao during the 5th anniversary celebrations of the Macao SAR. In the speech, President Hu had advised the Macao SAR Government to always put the people first, constantly improve the level of governance and to concentrate resources on more vigorously promoting sustained and healthy economic development in Macao. He said the President had also suggested that the Macao SAR Government be farsighted, step up training of personnel for Macao's future development, safeguard stability, and build an inclusive and harmonious society. Mr Xi said that these four suggestions would not only apply to Macao now but also in the long run, and that Macao people should follow these guidelines. As regards to the impacts of the global financial turmoil, he urged the people to stay confident and notice the upside and opportunities ahead. Speaking about the country’s economy, the Central Government launched a series of measures to expand domestic demand and boost the economy. On Macao, its economy continued to expand over the last few years and its economic strength was growing. Moreover, the Macao SAR Government’s measures to fend off the financial crisis were supported by its people. Therefore, Mr Xi said he believed that the Government was capable of maintaining a healthy economic development for Macao. Speaking about his feelings on this visit, Mr Xi said he felt that the Macao SAR Government acted practically and proactively in governance. With the concerted effort of the people, Macao continued to be prosperous and the people’s livelihood was improving, and these achievements were well acknowledged by the Central Government.