Premier Li Keqiang met with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), on Dec 17, in Beijing, and heard the annual report on Macao and the work of the SAR government.
The SAR government, under the guidance of its chief executive, has achieved steady progress with faster economic growth, improved lives, a lower rate of unemployment, balanced finances, and outstanding economic performance, Premier Li said, applauding efforts made by the SAR government and its chief executive.
He also said the central government sticks to the “one country, two systems” policy, the principle of “Macao people governing Macao” and a high degree of autonomy, and supports the SAR government and its chief executive to run Macao according to the Constitution and the Basic Law.
Developing the economy is the most important task for Macao, which is aimed at improving people’s lives there, Premier Li stressed.
He hoped that the SAR government could continue to promote its economic structural adjustment, improve the business environment, and prevent financial risks.
With advantages in close relationships with Portuguese-speaking countries, Premier Li said, Macao should make active moves in its integration with the nation’s development and key national strategies, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Meanwhile, more work should be done to address prominent livelihood issues, and to enhance people’s sense of happiness and achievement, he added.
Chui thanked the central government’s support for Macao’s development, saying the SAR government will grasp opportunities of reform and opening-up, by building itself into “a global leisure and tourism center, and the cooperation and service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries”.
Macao will actively link the region with national strategies and promote the region’s comprehensive strength, as well as the all-around progress of the economy and people’s livelihoods, Chui said.
Vice-Premier Han Zheng and State Councilor Xiao Jie also attended the meeting.
