Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon said yesterday that Macau’s economic development is still facing various challenges, while he pledged that the government will adhere to its people-centred approach, strengthen its efforts to improve residents’ well-being, continuously enhance their sense of gain, and create a “Happy Macau”.
Cheong made the remarks when delivering a speech during a reception at Macau Tower marking the 41st anniversary of the establishment of the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Associations (known as Kai Fong in Cantonese).
Cheong attended yesterday’s Kai Fong reception in his capacity as acting chief executive when Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai was visiting Hainan Province.
Cheong also said that with the central authorities’ support as well as the joint efforts of the local government and various segments of civil society, Macau’s economy has been maintaining overall stability while making steady progress. However, Cheong said, the local economy is still being affected by different issues such as a highly concentrated industrial structure, an unbalanced economic recovery, and greater uncertainty in global economic development, causing challenges to its economic development.
Cheong underlined that the situation would adversely affect various aspects of civil society. Therefore, he said, it is necessary for the government and various segments of civil society, including Kai Fong, to study together how to tackle Macau’s socioeconomic predicament.
Kai Fong, which was established in December 1983 when Macau was still under temporary Portuguese administration, held a formal reception yesterday marking the 41st anniversary of its establishment. Yesterday’s reception was also its Spring Festival reception.
The Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) was established on December 20, 1999.
Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon delivers a speech during yesterday’s reception at Macau Tower marking the 41st anniversary of Kai Fong’s establishment. – Photo: GCS
