Since China resumed its exercise of sovereignty over Macao on December 20, 1999, the SAR has achieved social stability and orders, a rebounding economy and a high-geared tourism industry.

After the economic decline in a streak of four years, Macao could reach an estimated annual economic growth rate of four percent this year.

Local people said that the principles of "one country, two systems," "Macao people governing Macao," and a high degree of autonomy are strictly implemented in the SAR.

When meeting with Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of the Macao SAR, in May in Lisbon, Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio spoke highly of the successful return of Macao to China.

Portuguese Consulate General Carlos Frota also praised that the SAR government has made great achievements in developing Macao's economy and maintaining stability there.

At a tree-planting ceremony Sunday in Macao, Ma Man Kei, a vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said, "The green trees we have planted here today are a symbol of the vitality of Macao and its future prospects." "Considering the historical and current conditions in Macao, the central government decided to adopt the principle of 'one country, two systems' here which meets both basic national interests and international trends," said Ma, also president of the Macao Chamber of Commerce.

Tina Ho Teng Iat, president of Ho Tin Co., Ltd., said that the traditional economic mechanism, including tax-free status and independent financial and taxation system, has been well preserved in the past year, making Macao's economy grow steadily and trade volume increase.

Public opinions in Macao summarized that the SAR government has been keeping its swearing-in pledges and doing a good job in fulfilling its duties.

The chief executive, full of pioneering spirit, led the SAR government to efficiently deal with social problems which jeopardized it's stability and solve many troubles inheriting from the past period, said Ma.

While enhancing cooperation and exchange with the interior areas of the motherland, Macao continued close ties with the European Union and foreign countries.

Economist Ieong Wan Chong, a professor at University of Macao, said the well-devised policies adopted by the SAR government laid a solid basis for the rebounding of economy this year.

Lao Ngai Leong, chairman of Cang Shi Com. Enterprise（Group）Co., Ltd., said that trade with foreign countries has been encouraged by SAR authorities. Meanwhile, the government's resolute strike on copyright piracy and counterfeiting helped Macao improve its worldwide reputation.

A businessman with the Macao Chamber of Commerce said that Chinese President Jiang Zemin's upcoming visit to Macao indicates the central government's care and support for the Macao SAR and appreciation for Macao's progress over the past year.

According to a development plan which was drawn up by local research institutions lately, Macao is targeting a medium-sized and free-wheeling international "star city" in the coming 20 years.

Lei Hong, president of the Macao Association of Neighborhood Communities, said that the successful practice of "one country, two systems" both in Hong Kong and Macao could well express itself to compatriots in Taiwan.

The principle of "one country, two systems" might also be the best choice for reaching reunification across the Taiwan Straits.

(Xinhua 12/18/2000)