Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up his three-day inspection visit to Macau yesterday morning, announcing a host of new measures to support Macau’s development and enhance relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs).
During the trip, Li lauded the achievements the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) has made since its return to the motherland in 1999, describing it as a place that has seen the successful practice of the “one country, two systems” principle.
The central government fully recognizes the local government’s work and hopes the MSAR administration will overcome difficulties and continue to take the initiative to realize good management and development of the region while uniting local people, said Li when meeting with Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On on Monday.
The premier said the central government would fully support the law-based governance by the chief executive and the administration, and backs Macau’s participation in national development strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
In line with Macau’s new needs, the central government has formulated 19 measures to benefit Macau, said the premier at a symposium attended by representatives from different walks of life yesterday morning.
The new measures include supporting the local government in hosting an annual global tourism economy forum, organising significant conventions and exhibitions, setting up a yuan clearing center for PSCs and establishing the headquarters for the Co-operation and Development Fund between China and PSCs.
The measures will help push diversified and sustainable development of Macau’s economy, Li said.
With its unique history, culture and geographical advantages as well as rich tourism resources, Macau can attract more domestic and global tourists as long as it continues to improve its environment and service industry to become a world tourism and leisure center, said Li.
During the visit, the premier also attended the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries in Macau.
Macau plans to build a service platform for co-operation between China and PSCs.
In a keynote speech delivered at the conference, the premier announced that China will adopt 18 new measures in the next three years to boost relations between China and PSCs. Macau will play an important role in providing the platform and supporting the implementation of these measures, Li said.
A complex for the co-operation service platform between China and PSCs will be built in Macau to provide services for trade talks, trade shows and cultural exhibitions and exchanges. The facility is set to become a new landmark for bilateral co-operation, Li said.
– Xinhua
Premier Li Keqiang (right) shakes hands with Secretary for Administration and Justice Sonia Chan Hoi Fan during a meeting with government officials and community representatives at the Macau East Asian Games Dome in Cotai yesterday morning. – Xinhua
