Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng promised in his Chinese New Year (CNY) message today that his government will work hand in hand with all sectors of civil society to overcome adversity in the Year of the Ox.
In his message released by the Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS), Ho also pledged the government's "strong coordination" in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring Macau's socio-economic recovery. The chief executive also said that the government would do its utmost to speed up economic development and the "adequate diversification" of the economy.
Ho, a former member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and ex-president of the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL), acknowledged that the local economy has been "hit hard" by the pandemic, "seriously affected" residents' lives and resulted in "severe challenges" for the government.
"In these difficult times, the Motherland never ceased to care for and support us," Ho said.
The 63-year-old former business community leader also said that Macau would continue its pro-active participation in national development policies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) project.
Ho also thanked Macau's anti-COVID-19 front-line workers such as health care professionals, police officers, firefighters and other public servants for their ongoing effort to keep the novel coronavirus at bay.
He wished the Motherland continued prosperity and strength and the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) stability and peacefulness. He ended his message by wishing all residents a prosperous and happy Year of the Ox.
