New Year’s Speech by Macau SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng
Dear residents and friends:
Hello everyone! 2022 is approaching. At this beautiful moment of saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new, on behalf of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government and in my own name, I would like to extend my sincere New Year greetings to all residents and all friends who care about and support the development of Macau!
2021 was an extraordinary year. We forged ahead amidst twists and turns, and moved forward courageously amidst difficulties. We withstood the repeated test of the epidemic, survived the most difficult moments, achieved gradual improvements in the overall trend of economic development, and the overall social situation is harmonious and stable.
Facing the sudden challenge of the epidemic, the majority of residents are united and actively support and cooperate in curbing the spread of the epidemic in the shortest time possible. At present, Macau is a safe and convenient tourism city. Everyone who works and lives here makes their contribution.
2021 was a year of historical significance. The Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrated its 100th anniversary, and the country has embarked on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way, achieving a good start to the "14th Five-Year Plan". Practice has proven that "One Country, Two Systems" is Macau's greatest advantage, and national development is Macau's greatest opportunity. In the new era, Macau and the motherland have a broader path of complementary cooperation and common development.
2021 was also a crucial year in the development of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR). We prepared the second five-year plan and successfully formed the seventh Legislative Assembly (AL). The principle of “patriots governing Macau” has been fully demonstrated, the legal system and implementation mechanism for safeguarding national security have been further improved, and the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has been established. Entering a new stage of consultation, joint construction, joint management and sharing, the development of people's livelihood is progressing in an orderly manner, and various undertakings in the special zone are developing steadily.
In the new year, the tasks and challenges we face are still complex and arduous. When the boat reaches the middle stream, we would have to retreat if we do not advance. Only by working hard can we move forward. We must strengthen our confidence, unite our efforts, work hard and make progress as it becomes more difficult, and work together to create a new situation for Macau's development!
In 2022, the MSAR government will thoroughly implement President Xi Jinping’s series of important speeches and instructions, firmly implement the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, firmly implement the fundamental principle of "patriots governing Macau", and follow the "epidemic prevention" principle. We will implement the overall policy of the MSAR’s second five-year plan and policy address, and coordinate the prevention and control of the epidemic and the economic and social development of the MSAR, accelerate the promotion of an appropriately diversified economy, and orderly promote the development of people's livelihood. Based on the positioning of the "one centre, one platform, one base" concept, we will actively participate in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), pragmatically promote the construction of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone, better integrate into the overall national development, in order to build a modern and beautiful, happy, safe and harmonious Macau.
Dear residents and friends:
The prevention and control of the epidemic is a prerequisite for the stable economic and social development of Macau. We must not let up, be cautious, and do all the epidemic prevention work strictly and meticulously. I believe that with the strong leadership and strong support of the central government, and the unity of Macau's residents, we will surely achieve more stable and better development and progress while constantly overcoming various difficulties and challenges! The practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macau characteristics will surely be stable and far-reaching!
Finally, I sincerely wish the great motherland prosperity and strength! The MSAR is in good shape! I wish you all progress and happiness in the new year!
(Message in Chinese provided by the Macau Government Information Bureau, translation by The Macau Post Daily)
