State leaders express support for Macao’s moderate economic diversification

State leaders have affirmed the Macao Government's performance and would continuously support Macao's moderately economic diversification, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today.
Mr Chui was speaking to reporters as he concluded his annual duty visit after he was received by the President, Mr Xi Jinping, during which he reported to state leaders the latest development of Macao, introduced the policy blueprint for the next fiscal year, and listened to the state leaders' comments.
The state leaders showed much interest in Macao's economic diversification and said they expected the Macao Government to make good use of the good economic situation and yet to prepare for any future economic downturn, he said.
Meanwhile, he said, the state leaders showed concern on several important activities to be held in Macao next year, including the election of Chief Executive, the new government, the Tourism Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) meeting, and the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.
Mr Chui said he had also reported that as the lack of land and talents restricted development, the Macao Government would put more resources into education and carry out a series of personnel development plans.
The Chief Executive told the press that President Xi was highly concerned with Macao's development and stressed that Macao is closely connected with the country; Macao needed to develop its economy and to improve people's livelihood so as to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
When asked about the Chief Executive Election to be held next year, Mr Chui said that the state leaders have fully affirmed Macao Government's performance, but they had not discussed if he would serve another term. Mr Chui stressed that the Macao Government would adhere strictly to the Chief Executive Electoral Law to conduct a fair and just election.
Earlier in the day, Mr Chui visited the National Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to exchange views on the preparation and arrangements for hosting the Tourism Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) meeting in Macao next year.