Government leaders extend New Year greetings to SAR

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, and representatives of the Central Government have conveyed greetings to the Special Administrative Region (SAR) to mark the beginning of the new year.

Xi’s message for the SAR revolved around the country’s modernization.

“Chinese modernization must be progressed unyieldingly, with new development ideals fully followed, accurately and comprehensively,” the national leader said.

He underlined the importance of accelerating new development patterns, promoting high-quality development and coordinating such development with security measures.

He also pledged Beijing would continue to support both Macau and Hong Kong to leverage their unique advantages and maintain long-term prosperity and stability within the national development masterplan.

Meanwhile in Macau, Ho lauded the city’s strides in economic recovery, noting that significant process had been achieved in a variety of areas. He commended economic hallmarks signifying robust growth, and reiterated the government’s work in bolstering national security.

Ho also discussed national policies related to Macau, including those pertaining to Hengqin and the land and maritime authority. He urged the city to follow Xi’s directives and further its development and economic diversification in accordance with the government’s “1+4” direction.

Zheng Xincong, director of Beijing’s liaison office in Macau, highlighted both national and territorial growth in economic and other spheres, in his New Year statement. He also recapped several legislative reviews.

Liu Xianfa, Beijing foreign affairs commissioner in Macau, was confident the Chinese advocacy and agenda would benefit the world at large, saying China’s modernization efforts would enhance global perceptions and pave the way for leading global modernization. AL