The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government held a grand reception today to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Delivering his address, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai stated that the motherland's rapid and flourishing development serves as Macao's strongest backing and safe haven, adding that every step forward Macao takes is inseparable from the motherland's care, support, and warm uplifting embrace.
Looking ahead, the MSAR will comprehensively deepen reforms and coordinate high-quality development with high-level security with greater courage and more forward-looking thinking.
The National Day reception took place at 9:30 a.m. at the Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. Nearly 1,200 guests attended the event, including Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Edmund Ho Hau Wah; Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR Zheng Xincong; former chief executives Fernando Chui Sai On and Ho Iat Seng; Acting Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the MSAR Cheng Lei; Commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison Chen Wensheng; President of the Legislative Assembly (AL) André Cheung Weng Chon; President of the Court of Final Appeal (TJB) Sung Man Lei; principal government officials; members of the Executive Council (ExCo); lawmakers; Macao deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the National Committee of the CPPCC; heads of public entities; representatives from various sectors of civil society; and members of a local delegation of teachers and students who visited Beijing recently for the solemn National Flag Raising Ceremony in Tiananmen Square.
Sam noted that since the founding of New China, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has united and led people of all ethnic groups across the country to achieve a historic leap from poverty and weakness to a moderately prosperous society in all respects with earth-shattering heroics, creating miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. Looking at China today, innovation vitality blooms and comprehensive national strength has soared; we are closer to, and more confident and capable than at any period in history of achieving the grand aim of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Sam pointed out that this year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the 77th anniversary of the founding of New China, as well as a crucial year for the MSAR to break new ground amidst changes and seek breakthroughs through striving forward. The MSAR Government has thoroughly implemented the spirit of President Xi Jinping's series of important speeches, proactively and closely aligning with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan while pooling the wisdom and development consensus of all sectors in Macao to formulate and execute Macao's 3rd Five-Year Plan. Meanwhile, guided by President Xi's four clear requirements, the MSAR Government focuses closely on the two core tracks of public administration reform and appropriate economic diversification to advance governance tasks, striving to forge a new situation of high-quality development for the cause of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics.
Sam stressed that the government will fully press ahead with public administration reform to enhance governance efficiency; solidly drive appropriate economic diversification and the in-depth development of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone; fully leverage Macao's advantages of connecting domestically and internationally to promote high-quality local development; steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests to build an ironclad wall of national security and social stability; and consistently adhere to people-centred governance to enhance public wellbeing and build a happy Macao.
Sam underlined that the tides of our era are reshaping the global order with unprecedented breadth and depth. In the face of profound changes and complex tests in the internal and external development environment, Macao must maintain strategic resolve, accurately identify changes, scientifically respond to them, and proactively seek changes to open up new vistas amidst dynamic conditions.
Looking ahead, Sam said, the MSAR Government will firmly focus on two key footholds: "citizen-centred" refined management and "guarding against and defusing internal and external risks and challenges". Through effectively addressing risks and challenges, Macao aims to achieve sustainable development; boost comprehensive competitiveness by stimulating market vitality; ensure residents live and work in peace and contentment by enhancing public wellbeing; strive to push work in all fields of the MSAR to new heights; demonstrate greater achievements in the great journey of building a strong nation and national rejuvenation; and strive to compose a brand-new chapter in the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics, Sam emphasised.
Prior to the reception, the MSAR Government held a solemn National Day flag-raising ceremony at Praça Flor de Lótus* (“Lotus Flower Square”) in Zape at 8:00 a.m. Around 600 people attended the ceremony, including Sam, officials of the central authorities' agencies in Macao, heads of the MSAR legislative and judicial organs, principal government officials, ExCo members, lawmakers, representatives from all walks of life, and delegates from the "Salute to the National Flag" Macao teachers and students delegation.
During the ceremony, the flag guard unit of the Public Security Police Force (CPSP) and the guard of honour of the Public Security Forces (FSM) made their official debut performing Chinese-style foot drills.**
N.B. Translation of the unabridged Chinese-language statement by the Macao Government Information Bureau (GCS) arranged and edited by The Macau Post Daily
Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai addresses this morning's grand reception celebrating National Day at the Complex of Commerce and Trade Cooperation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. - GCS
* The lotus flower is the official emblem of the Macao SAR.
**Previously, Macao’s Public Security Forces trained using Portuguese-style marching and foot-drill procedures.
