CE reiterates thanks to Beijing for Macau support

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng yesterday thanked Beijing for its care and support for the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Yesterday morning, the local government head sat in the opening of the second plenary of the 14th term of the National People’s Congress (NPC), held in Beijing. Following the opening ceremony, Ho listened to the work report of the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang.

In addition to expressing his gratitude to the Central People’s Government, Ho also highlighted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, as well as “the key year” for the journey towards realizing the country’s 14th Five-year Plan. The “Two Sessions” will open new doors for “the full-scale construction of a strong nation under Chinese-style modernization and the great achievement of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” he added.

Ho further promised that the government would, in partnership with citizens from all walks of life, “learn, comply with, and implement the spirit of the ‘Two Sessions’ and forge a new chapter of successful and stable implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ with Macau characteristics.”

He reiterated that, in addition to being the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, this year is also the 25th anniversary of the SAR, as well as the third anniversary of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and the actualization of the zone’s first-phase development goals.

The Macau Representatives at the NPC described Li’s report as “pragmatic” and “clear in direction.” They also expressed confidence in the country’s development this year.

Representative Vong Hin Fai noted that Li’s report mentioned the deepening of work targeting the construction of the greater bay area (GBA) and believed that Macau will continue to utilize the GBA as a platform to merge with the country and its general development plan. He also believed that Macau would do a better job in the construction of the Hengqin cooperation zone, which is a part of the GBA. Vong said that he is particularly interested in youth employment and livelihood improvement, which were both mentioned in Li’s report.

Meanwhile, Representative Kevin Ho also described Li’s report as pragmatic, as it not only reviewed the work of the past year, but also forecast possible difficulties in the coming year as well as a variety of national policies. This year, he believes, it is key to develop the economy in a stable way, and ensure a reliable livelihood.

Spokesperson and vice-head of the NPC Macau delegation, José Chui, observed that the Central People’s Government is aware of the difficulties faced by small-to-medium enterprises, given Li’s report mentioning policies supporting them. He recommends that youths in Macau choose their career paths considering national needs, and hopes that Macau will further its development in technology and education.

On Monday evening, Communist Party of China Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong met and dined with the Macau NPC delegation.

Chui quoted Xia as describing Macau as a blend between Chinese and Western cultures and “having unique external relations and networks,” while encouraging Macau to act as “a super contact person.”

Chui also reported Xia’s hope for deeper cooperation between Macau and Hengqin so as to diversify its economy – to “walk with two feet,” in Xia’s wording. Xia was also satisfied with Macau’s work in terms of national security.

Chui believes that Xia is confident that the people of Macau have the capability to handle their own business and develop the economy well. Xia also reiterated that “One country, two systems” remaining unchanged for 50 years means it is an inherent system of the country.

Li Qiang pledges continuous support to Hong Kong and Macau

Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged yesterday to support Hong Kong and Macau in growing their economies, improving the lives of their people and participating in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by leveraging their distinctive strengths and features.

This will ensure that Hong Kong and Macau can better integrate themselves into China’s overall development and maintain long-term prosperity and stability, Li said.

We will continue to fully, faithfully, and resolutely implement the policy of ‘One country, two systems’, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macau administer Macau, both with a high degree of autonomy. We will remain committed to law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macau and ensure that Hong Kong and Macau are administered by patriots,” Li told a roomful of national legislators.