The Central Government fully recognised the work of the Macao SAR Government and would give full support to Macao's policy blueprint for the coming year, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today. Mr Chui disclosed this when he spoke to reporters at the end of his three-day duty visit to Beijing where he met with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Mr Xi Jinping; the Premier, Mr Wen Jiabao; and the President, Mr Hu Jintao; in succession in the past two days. Mr Chui also met with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya. Mr Chui said the state leaders stressed the importance of complying with the Basic Law, adhering to 'One Country' and respecting the differences of the 'Two Systems', and the necessity of seeing the whole situation and fulfilling the SAR's own work. The leaders also paid attention to Macao's economy and co-operation with neighbouring regions, as well as Macao's drive for adequate economic diversification. Mr Chui said the Central Government would fully support Macao to develop into a global tourism and leisure hub, as well as a trade and services platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries. The Central Government would capitalise on the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries next year and make use of Macao's role as a platform. The Central Government was also taking note of the livelihood of the people of Macao and would support the short-term measures and long-term mechanisms introduced by the Macao authorities. He said the Central Government also urged Macao to pay attention to the global financial situation, make preparations and keep its financial system safe and stable. In reply to reporters, Mr Chui said the Government had already established a financial reserve system and would adopt a prudent approach in increasing public expenditure. He said Premier Wen had told him that he was impressed with Macao's mixed culture of east and west and the education system in his previous visit to Macao, and he urged Macao to value their development. Mr Chui said that during the meeting with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya, they also discussed a proposed new passageway between Guangdong and Macao. Macao would work with Guangdong and hoped to get approval from the Central Government on the project soon, he said.
