1 October 2014, Macao - The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today (1 October) the Government would continue to implement its administrative concept of "Putting people first and scientific decision-making", aimed at improving the people's livelihood and ensuring Macao's long-term stability and prosperity. Speaking at the reception hosted by the Government to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Mr Chui said the Chinese people have contributed their best efforts to the development of the nation and have achieved glorious results since the establishment of new China 65 years ago. China had achieved great progress in development since its implementation of reforms and an open policy, Mr Chui told some 950 guests at the reception. Along with the rise of its comprehensive strength and international influence, the quality of people's material and cultural lives had also continued to improve. Facing a slow recovery in the global economy, China also faced downward economic pressures. However, China's overall economic situation is still unchanged and making stable progress. The overall planning for comprehensively deepening reform will be actively implemented. Mr Chui said Macao people are highly encouraged by the development of the motherland, progressing side by side with the people in the mainland to realise their goal of the two "hundredth anniversaries" and the "Chinese Dream" of invigorating the nation. The reform and development of the country had become the strong support and driving force for the stable growth of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Mr Chui said Macao had successfully completed the election of the fourth-term Chief Executive, according to the law and with the full support of the Central People's Government, demonstrating the scientific validity and vitality of the principle of "One country, two systems". The election aroused great interest among and active participation by the public and all sectors in the community. They made opinions and suggestions on the administration of the next government, along with various economic and social issues, and fully reflected the fact the public is faithfully supporting the election implemented in accordance with the Basic Law, and the Government's administration according to the law. Mr Chui told the reception that more than 120,000 submissions of opinions and suggestions were received during the Chief Executive Election period and that these have been passed on to the Policy Research Office for compilation and analyses. It is hoped that short-term policies to resolve issues concerning housing, transport, social security and healthcare can be launched as soon as possible, while long-term mechanisms can be established to secure the people's well-being. Mr Chui also said that the Government would comprehensively study, in a timely manner, and make decisions on the development of the gaming industry and take the opportunity created by the interim review to strengthen the healthy and orderly growth of the industry. At the same time, the Government would create favourable conditions for the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises. The Government and all civil servants will be dedicated to their duties unswervingly, perform administrative tasks according to the law and ensure smooth organisation and handover arrangements for the fourth-term SAR Government. Mr Chui re-affirmed that the Government would continue to seize opportunities and fully leverage its unique advantages to establish Macao as world tourism and leisure centre, and a commercial and trade services platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. With the full support of the Central People's Government, the Eighth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting was successfully held in Macao last month, which had effectively promoted Macao's international status and influence. The Government would further leverage the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement and other supportive national policies to develop closer co-operation with the mainland and achieve mutual complementation and benefits, with priorities including Guangdong-Macao co-operation. Before the reception, a solemn flag-raising ceremony was held at Golden Lotus Square at 8 am. The raising of the national flag and the regional flag to the accompaniment of the national anthem performed by the police band marked the commencement of a series of activities to celebrate the 65th National Day. The first event, immediately following the flag raising ceremony, was the 2014 World Walking Day - National Day Fun Run, which started at Golden Lotus Square. The Chief Executive officiated the starting ceremony and presented prizes. More than 200 officials and guests attended the flag raising ceremony, including the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Li Gang; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue; the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Wang Wen; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai; as well as members of the Executive Council and Legislative Assembly, SAR Government officials, deputies to the National People's Congress, CPPCC members and representatives from all sectors of the community.