The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, toasts the guests at the National Day reception hosted by the Macao SAR Government.
The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today Macao would dedicate more contributions to the country’s development strategy while making progress for the city's long-term prosperity.
Delivering a speech at a National Day reception, Mr Chui stressed national development strategy and further deepening of regional cooperation would provide Macao with unprecedented opportunities to accelerate economic diversification.
The reception, hosted by the Government to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, was held at Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre with some 750 guests.
To cope with uncertainties arising from global economy, Mr Chui outlined four routes to propel further development and ensure socio-economic stability.
1. Strengthen quality of governance to realise long-term prosperity and stability. The Government would foster the planning for Macao’s waters, expedite public administration reform, and further support for youth development;
2. Ensure stable economic development and support adequate economic diversification. The Government would continue to strengthen regulation of the gaming industry, expedite construction according to Macao’s development positioning, as well as further promotion on the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry, traditional Chinese medicine, specialised financial services, and cultural and creative industries;
3. Improve people’s livelihoods and promote social harmony. The Government would continue to optimise the long-term mechanisms for social security, healthcare, housing and education, and enhance the wellbeing of the people; and
4. Uphold the principles of complimentary advantages and promote regional mutual beneficial development. Macao would make best use of the opportunities arising from the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (collectively known as the “Belt and Road” initiative), and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, while enhancing the city’s functions in China’s opening up and economic development.
In his speech, Mr Chui mentioned Macao was hit in August by the strongest typhoon of the past half century, causing serious casualties and financial impacts. The Government has deployed its maximum effort to cope with the post-typhoon work, with the strong support of the Central Government.
The Government would spare no effort in providing appropriate support to ease difficulties faced by the people. In Addition, the Government has initiated reviews and optimisations on the city’s infrastructure and its contingency mechanism for major disasters.
In the morning, the Chief Executive and some 330 guests had attended the National Day flag-raising ceremony held at Golden Lotus Square.
Guests attending the ceremony included: the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Mr Zheng Xiaosong; the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao SAR, Ms Wang Dong; the Commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison, Mr Wang Wen; the Political Commissar of PLA Macao Garrison, Mr Zhou Wugang; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai; members of the Executive Council and of the Legislative Assembly; Government principal officials; Macao’s delegates to the National People’s Congress and to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and people from across the community.
Later in the day, Mr Chui presided at the start of a running event to commemorate National Day, and later present awards to participants.