Macao's successful practice has demonstrated the great vitality of the "one country, two systems" principle, said Bai Zhijian, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
The Macao SAR took on a new look under the leadership of Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah in the past year, Bai said here Wednesday at a grand reception held by his office to greet the traditional Spring Festival, which falls on Saturday.
The SAR government, with a pragmatic spirit and a clear orientation, has overcome various challenges and difficulties on the road of success, adding a new chapter to the practice of "Macao people governing Macao", he said.
The official noted the appropriate liberalization of the gaming industry has injected new vigor into the sustained and smooth development of Macao.
Bai also hailed Macao's sound public order, social harmony and upgraded public service, as well as the alleviated burden of the Macao residents.
Macao has cemented its cultural and economic links with the inland and improved its image on the international stage, he noted.
Macao's success will play an active role in solving the Taiwan issue and fulfilling the national reunification, said Bai Zhijian.
On behalf of the central government, the official vowed to exert full support to the work of the chief executive and the SAR government by further carrying forward the principle of "one country, two systems" and sticking firmly to the Basic Law.
Also delivering a speech, Edmund Ho Hau Wah said the glorious achievements of the motherland "greatly encouraged us" and enhanced the Macao people's spirit of loving both the motherland and Macao.
He said Macao's social and economic development has entered a vital year and public servants of different levels should do their jobs in a more effective way so as to sharpen the competitive edge of Macao and help achieve the overall goal of the SAR.
(People's Daily January 30, 2003)
