Two years of practice has demonstrated that the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" lays the basis for Macao's long-term prosperity and stability.
Bai Zhijian, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), made the remark to mark the 2nd anniversary on Macao's return to the motherland, which falls on December 20.
Over the past two years, the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law have been fully carried out in Macao. The central government abides by the Basic Law strictly, supports work of the chief executive and the SAR government and does not interfere in the internal affairs of the SAR, the official said.
After Macao's return, the SAR's security situation has turned better, Bai said, adding that Macao's economy has also kept growing following continuous negative increases over the previous four years.
Bai said that the cooperation between Macao and China's inland has been further strengthened thanks to great support from the central government.
The Macao SAR has maintained wide links with the outside world, receiving active comments from the international society, the official noted.
The reform and opening-up drive in China's inland will exert a tremendous influence on the development of Macao. Moreover, China's entry into the World Trade Organization will bring in more opportunities for Macao's industrial and commercial businesses and consolidate Macao's intermediary role in the economic exchanges between China and other countries and regions, Bai pointed out.
(People's Daily December 18, 2001)
