The Macao Government hosts the National Day reception to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) will continue to engage in the nation’s process of advantageous development, in an effort to encourage the vitality of Macao’s economy during a period of consolidation in its gaming industry. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, made the comments when addressing more than 1,150 guests at a reception hosted by the Government at Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. The event was part of the celebrations for National Day, marking the 66th anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China. The Government is confident and capable, and with the support of the people, will overcome any challenges encountered during this development process. Macao will advance with the times, seize emerging opportunities in the country’s evolution, and become an even better home for its residents, despite a period of some economic volatility and of consolidation in Macao’s gaming industry, the Chief Executive said. He added the Government would continue to support a healthy development of the gaming industry, and would make good use of the mid-term review of gaming concessions, to strengthen supervision of the industry and to encourage more non-gaming features so as to accommodate the goal of transforming Macao to a world centre of tourism and leisure. The Government would expedite Macao’s own sustainable development; foster the transformation of Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries; and accelerate the establishment of the “three centres” in order to boost ties between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. “Three centres” refers to: a business and trade service centre for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Portuguese-speaking countries; a goods distribution centre; and a convention and exhibition centre for economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Mr Chui said the Government would continue to make best use of the country’s development opportunities and to engage actively in regional integration. An example is Macao playing a greater role in the regional economy via the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and its supplements; in matters such as the establishment of pilot free trade zones in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces; via involvement in building a logistics hub in coastal areas covering Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao; and via the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” initiatives. The Chief Executive stressed betterment of the people’s livelihood was the centrepiece of the administration’s policy. He said expenditure in social welfare and in the Investment and Development Expenditure Scheme would not be affected by the previously announced measures limiting public spending that became effective in September. The Government would use all its strength to boost economic advancement, support local SMEs, secure employment of local people, support disadvantaged groups, and construct, for all citizens, long-term systems to address the issues of housing, transport, social security and healthcare. Guests attending the reception included the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Li Gang; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Hu Zhengyue; the Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army, Mr Wang Wen; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai. In the morning, approximately 250 guests had attended the National Day flag-raising ceremony held at Golden Lotus Square. During Thursday Mr Chui also officiated at the launch ceremony and then the award presentation ceremony of a 2015 National Day event called “Macao People Celebrate the National Day - World Walking Day Fun Run”. A number of government departments will also hold celebratory events on Thursday, including a variety show at the Macao East Asian Games Dome at 2pm; and a Chinese acrobatic show “Nutcracker” staged at the Macao Forum at 8pm. Pyrotechnic displays by teams from Australia and China will be held at the 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, on the waterfront near Macau Tower at, respectively, 9pm and 9.40 pm tonight. The Macao Post service will offer commemorative postal stamp cover sets for sale, and a stamping service is available at its headquarters building near Senado Square until 5.30pm today.