Xia Baolong, director of both the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, who arrived in Macau yesterday afternoon for a seven-day “investigation and research” tour, has conveyed President Xi Jinping’s care for Macau compatriots, according to a statement by the Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS) last night.

Soon after arriving at the local airport, Xia visited the fourth bridge between Macau and Taipa, which was completed recently and has been named “Macau Bridge”.

Xia was accompanied on his visit to the bridge by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Director Zheng Xincong, and Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo do Rosário

During the site visit, Xia was briefed by Public Works Bureau (DSOP) Director Lam Wai Hou about its design, and the role it will play in alleviating traffic pressure, as well as supporting the growth of the city’s new development area once it is officially put into operation, the statement pointed out.

Following the site visit, Xia first held a one-on-one meeting with Ho. Accompanied by Ho, Xia subsequently met with Macau’s most senior officials of its executive, legislative, and judicial institutions, during which he conveyed President Xi’s care for local compatriots and enquired about the latest developments regarding various aspects of local affairs, the statement noted.

Xia also conveyed the central authorities’ affirmation of the MSAR’s approach to governance, the statement underlined, adding that Ho warmly welcomed Xia to Macau for his investigation and research tour, noting that his last visit to Macau took place a year ago. Xia’s presence fully demonstrated President Xi and the central authorities’ high regard and strong support for the MSAR, the statement pointed out.

The meeting was attended by Legislative Assembly President Kou Hoi In, Court of Final Appeal President Sam Hou Fai,  Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosário, Public Prosecutor-General Ip Son Sang, Commissioner Against Corruption Chan Tsz King, Commissioner of Audit Ho Veng On, Commissioner General of the Unitary Police Service Leong Man Cheong, Director-General of the Macau Customs Service Vong Man Chong, and Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office Hoi Lai Fong.

Informed sources have told the Post that Xia will contact a wide range of civic leaders and community, business and labour association representatives, as well as common citizens during his seven-day tour, which ends on Sunday.

His visit a year ago lasted four days. 

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng (left) briefs Xia Baolong (centre), director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, about the fourth bridge between Macau and Taipa, which has been named “Macau Bridge”, during yesterday’s site visit. – Photo: GCS