The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, briefs reporters in Beijing on his annual duty visit.
The Central Government has fully affirmed the SAR Government’s work and directed the SAR Government to step up efforts to enhance Macao people’s livelihoods, said today the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On.
Mr Chui was speaking to reporters in Beijing this evening after he was today received by President Xi Jinping and the Premier of the State Council, Mr Li Keqiang.
The Chief Executive is on a four-day visit to the capital. He has already had meetings with, respectively, the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Xiaoming; and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Dejiang.
During the meetings with state leaders, the Chief Executive presented his report regarding Macao’s situation and its development during the past 12 months, and also outlined the SAR Government’s plan for achieving further sustainable development.
Mr Chui reported to state leaders that the SAR Government would continue to optimise Macao’s regulatory systems and to strengthen the quality of the city’s governance, so as to prepare for opportunities arising from the new era in its history.
The Government proposed to take part in the development of Xiong'an New Area, an economic zone in Hebei Province, in order to broaden Macao’s prospects for development. Mr Chui stated the SAR Government would advance planning relating to management of Macao’s waters, seeking to make better use of the city’s maritime resources.
Mr Chui additionally reported that the SAR Government has been working diligently to integrate Macao’s development with national development strategies, in order to foster the city’s adequate economic diversification.
The Working Committee for the Development of “Belt and Road” Initiative, led by the Chief Executive, has commenced operations. The SAR Government was working closely with the National Development and Reform Commission regarding how Macao might contribute to a number of initiatives and agreements due to be signed next year.
In the meanwhile, the SAR Government had also been taking part – in a pragmatic manner – in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, said Mr Chui.
Regarding development of local talent, the SAR Government would introduce fresh policies – across public departments overseen by the city’s five Government Secretaries – to support opportunities for young people, including making it more convenient for them to study, work and set up business on the mainland, said Mr Chui.
During meetings with state leaders, the Chief Executive expressed his sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its strong support for Macao’s economic development and for enhancement of its people’s well-being.
Mr Chui spoke of President Xi’s approval of a recent request from the Government that enabled the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison to assist in alleviating the impact of Typhoon Hato. The approval showed the concern and support of the Central Government and the advantages of the “One country, two systems” principle, added Mr Chui.
During his meeting with the media, Mr Chui disclosed that mainland authorities would announce shortly further measures allowing Macao residents to enjoy access to a housing provident fund on the mainland.
In addition, mainland authorities would establish a dedicated scholarship scheme for Macao students wishing to study on the mainland. The scheme was expected to include “special” scholarships, a greater number of available scholarship places, and larger scholarship grants.
Macao residents working in tertiary education institutes and scientific research companies on the mainland would be allowed to apply for funds under the National Social Science Fund of China.
Mr Chui said the country fully supported Macao residents in studying, setting up businesses or seeking employment or residence on the mainland. A number of measures had been launched aimed at granting Macao residents “equal rights” to mainland residents and providing greater convenience for Macao residents living on the mainland, he said.
Officials accompanying Mr Chui on the duty visit to Beijing included: the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; and the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Ms Lei Ut Mui.
The Chief Executive will conclude his duty visit tomorrow.