TEXT Xinhua News Agency
Zhang Dejiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, visited Macao in May for three days.
“Since Macao’s return to the motherland more than 17 years ago, the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) has witnessed overall progress in its socio‑economic life, with remarkable achievements made in practicing the ‘one country, two systems’ principle,” said Zhang.
China’s top lawmaker also noted the effective implementation of the Central Government’s overall jurisdiction, the full guarantee of Macao’s right to a high degree of autonomy.
During his visit, Zhang met separately with Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee Vice Chairman Ho Hau Wah and Chief Executive Chui Sai On and spoke highly of their contributions to the motherland as well as Macao.
After listening to a report on the work of the local government, Zhang noted that the current administration has seized the strategic opportunities brought about by the country’s 13th Five‑Year Plan (2016‑2020) and the Belt and Road Initiative and pushed ahead with Macao’s role as “One centre, One platform.”
Macao is striving to become a world tourism and leisure centre and a platform for business and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese‑speaking countries.
Zhang noted that the current administration has made positive progress in promoting the appropriate diversification of the city’s economic development and improving people’s livelihood.
At a symposium attended by more than 150 representatives from all walks of life, Zhang called for cherishing the successful experience of the city’s development.
He also called for further implementing the Central Government’s overall jurisdiction over the MSAR and its right to a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the law, so as to push for its economic development and further improvements in people’s well‑being.
“The mainstream values of promoting outstanding Chinese culture and loving the country and Macao should be carried forward and to nurture local talents for the city’s development,” Zhang said, adding that a solid foundation in this regard should be laid.
In a visit to the Legislative Assembly, Zhang noted that the legislature has earnestly performed its duties to support, coordinate and supervise the local government according to the law, and also has contributed significantly to Macao’s prosperity and stability, rule of law and social advancement.
In a meeting with representatives from the education sector held at the University of Macau, Zhang said, “educators should always stick to the right direction and lead students to build character, improve their knowledge, gain innovative thinking and serve the country.”
During his visit, Zhang was also briefed on the construction of the Hong Kong‑Zhuhai‑Macao Bridge and visited the Joyful Family Service Center of the Women’s General Association of Macau and the Taipa Houses.
Leaving Macao after a three–day official visit.
