The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, attends a briefing session to share new aspirations set out in the recently concluded National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
The Government has to foster big-picture thinking and enhance its vigilance regarding the global potential for crisis, in order to help Macao embark on a journey of innovative and coordinated development.
Sharing aspirations set out in the “Two Sessions”, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today called for concerted effort to ensure in-depth implementation in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the “One country, two systems” principle, as the city enters a new era.
Mr Chui shared his thoughts at a briefing session regarding new policies and aspirations that had been set out in the “Two Sessions” – recently-concluded meetings in Beijing of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
First, to implement the “Two Sessions” aspirations via further proactive effort. State leaders and officials of the Central Government had mentioned, during their respective key speeches, advancement of the implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle in the SAR and offered guidance for Macao’s development.
Mr Chui urged Macao SAR Government officials and community members to study closely “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” and the guiding principles of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Second, to take on new roles with greater responsibilities. Macao had to pursue greater opportunities for development, with a focus of “serving the country’s needs, delivering Macao’s strengths”, and integrating the city’s own development with the country’s overall development.
Macao had also to propel the process of transforming itself as a world centre of tourism and leisure; and as a commercial and trade cooperationservice platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (collectively known as “Centre and Platform” policies).
Mr Chui highlighted that the Government had to optimise its long-term mechanisms relating to people’s livelihoods, adhering to its administrative principle of “putting the people first”. The Government would continue its existing strong efforts to nurture a greater number of young leaders; to speed up construction of infrastructure relating to housing, transport, and development of a smart city; and to optimise its response mechanism for any public emergency.
The Chief Executive also stressed the importance of good governance in terms of maintaining a law-abiding administration; and of protecting the Central Government’s strict sovereignty over Macao, while maintaining the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the SAR.
Third, to create a new path for development via maintenance of a pragmatic and also enterprising spirit. A forward-looking spirit would be particularly crucial for paving the city’s future path, using as foundations the experience of the past. Mr Chui noted this year marked the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of Macao, while 2019 would mark the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland.
During today’s briefing session, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, Mr Ho Hau Wah, said the Macao public had to study the “Two Sessions” aspirations and guiding principles of the 19th CPC National Congress.
Mr Ho urged communities across the city to join hands and support the Government’s efforts to further Macao’s role in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the plans for which were due to be launched soon.
Also present at the briefing session was the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Zheng Xiaosong, who shared four wishes for Macao: 1) adherence to the “One country, two systems” principle and the Basic Law; 2) support for the lawful governance of the Chief Executive and the Government; 3) further contributions to integrate Macao into the country’s overall development; and 4) promotion of a patriotic spirit toward the country and to Macao.