The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, delivers a speech at the luncheon hosted for representatives of local Chinese media.
The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today said the Government would, as always, support local media in their work, so as to foster communication between the Government, the media and the public.
Mr Chui shared his thoughts on the matter in the light of the advancing popularity of new media that had not only diversified the routes by which the public obtain information, but had also created fresh opportunities and challenges for the existing media industry when it came to serving the public.
Speaking at a lunch hosted for local Chinese media, Mr Chui reiterated that the Government highly valued the freedom of the press and publishing freedom.
In his address, Mr Chui spoke highly of the contribution from local Chinese media in serving the Macao public and promoting social harmony, via their firm adherence to the “One country, two systems” principle.
The Chief Executive mentioned the Government would step up effort to enhance communication channels that enable members of the public to take part in community affairs, and that help create a more diversified system for communication between the Government and the public.
In the coming year, Macao would devote more effort to: contributing to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (collectively known as the “Belt and Road” initiative); implementing goals outlined in the city’s Five-Year Development Plan; developing nascent industries; fostering diversification of the city’s economy; and enhancing the city’s overall competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Government would always think in big-picture terms and be vigilant regarding contingency planning, in order to enhance the city’s response measures and response mechanism. In addition, the Government would reserve additional resources to upgrading the city’s capacity either to prevent, or if necessary, mitigate the impact of disaster, in order to safeguard the safety of the public and their property.
Reviewing Macao’s 2017 achievements, Mr Chui stated the city had been able to maintain year-on-year economic growth; sound public finances; and a high rate of employment, despite a period of uncertainty in the global economy. The Central Government’s support and the concerted effort of the community had been indispensable in realising these achievements, he added.