Speech at the Welcome Dinner of the Macau Special Administrative Region Government

Mr. He Yicheng, Chief Executive

Mr. Cen Haohui, the Chief Executive elect

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good evening! After 5 years, I am delighted to come back to this beautiful land of Macau and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to the motherland with everyone. Firstly, on behalf of the central government and the people of all ethnic groups in China, I would like to extend sincere greetings and best wishes to all of you present here and through you, to all Macau residents and international friends who care about and support Macau's development

The past five years have been extraordinary in the history of Macau. Faced with the accelerated evolution of the world's century long changes and the severe test of the century long epidemic, Chief Executive He Yicheng and the Fifth Special Administrative Region Government, with strong support from the central government and the mainland of China, united and led all sectors of Macau society to face difficulties, be pragmatic and proactive, promote sustained economic recovery and overall progress in various undertakings, and write a new chapter in the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macau characteristics

Moderate and diversified economic development has achieved new results. The gambling industry is developing in a healthy and orderly manner in accordance with the law, the connotation of the world tourism and leisure center is constantly enriching, and key emerging industries are thriving. Actively participating in the construction of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, deepening the integration of Qinhuangdao and Macao, closing the Hengqin Guangdong Macao Deep Cooperation Zone, and improving the level of infrastructure "hard connectivity" and rule mechanism "soft connectivity". Deepening and expanding technological cooperation with mainland China, the "Macao Science-1" exploration satellite has been successfully launched and is operating well. Today's Macau has a more solid foundation and broader space for economic development, and the path of common development and prosperity with the mainland of China is becoming increasingly broad

The level of people's livelihood and well-being has reached a new level. Actively responding to residents' demands, continuously increasing investment in people's livelihoods, and solidly doing a good job in housing, healthcare, education, elderly care, and other practical things that benefit the people. The completion of senior apartments and the "Macau New Neighborhood" project, the opening of the Macau Bridge, the continuous improvement of basic education quality, the continuous progress of higher education, the accelerated popularization of e-government, the accelerated construction of livable cities, and the significant improvement of residents' living comfort. Today's Macau has stronger and more effective guarantees for people's livelihoods, comprehensive development of social undertakings, and has become a blessed place for living and working in peace and contentment

The political and social foundation of patriotism and love for Australia is increasingly consolidated. Improve the legal and institutional mechanisms for safeguarding national security in the special administrative region, smoothly hold the 7th Legislative Council election and the 6th Chief Executive election, and fully protect the democratic, human rights, freedom and other rights of Macao residents. Strengthen education on the Constitution and Basic Law, national conditions, history, and national security, and firmly establish a sense of national identity and patriotism throughout society. Different ethnic groups coexist harmoniously, and cultural events are exciting and diverse. Today in Macau, the main theme of patriotism and love for Macau is becoming louder, and the characteristics of multicultural coexistence and prosperity are becoming more prominent

The international influence and visibility have significantly increased. Deepen the construction of "one center, one platform, one base", establish the China Portuguese speaking Countries Science and Technology Exchange and Cooperation Center, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Portuguese speaking countries. Deepen cooperation with high-quality countries and regions to jointly build the "the Belt and Road", expand the scope of sister cities and sister cities, and establish stable economic and trade relations with more countries and regions. Macao has been awarded titles such as "East Asian Cultural Capital" and "Best Asian Conference City", further enhancing its international competitiveness and influence

The remarkable achievements in Macau's development over the past five years are attributed to the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, strong support from the central government and mainland China, active participation from the international community, and the joint efforts and actions of the Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society

Ladies and gentlemen

Macao has the unique advantage of "one country, two systems" and has laid a solid foundation for development. Riding on the strong wind of building a strong country and national rejuvenation, it has the conditions and ability to fly higher, go further, and achieve better development. Here, I have three expectations for Macau

One is to climb high and look far. We should focus on the overall strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the changes in the world over the past century, keep up with the trend of the times, further identify our own positioning, scientifically plan for the future development of Macao, actively connect with national development strategies such as the construction of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, and demonstrate greater achievements on the international stage

The second is to embrace all rivers. Under the banner of patriotism and love for Macau, we need to be more open, inclusive, united and united, attract talents from all over the world, and build a better Macau together. As long as we support the principle of "one country, two systems" and love our homeland Macau, we are all Macanese who have enjoyed the "Yapo Spring" and are a positive force in building Macau

The third is to forge ahead with determination. The ports of Guangzhou are the most powerful in Macau, and the people of Macau have always had a spirit of hard work and perseverance. Wealth should not be complacent, and safety should not forget danger. To demonstrate greater courage, dare to change and innovate, better leverage the advantages of the "One Country, Two Systems" system, and create a new situation for the development of Macau

Ladies and gentlemen

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Through the unremitting efforts of people of all ethnic groups in the country, China has undergone tremendous changes, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. On the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, various undertakings have made significant progress and ushered in the best period of development. I firmly believe that with the great motherland as a strong backing, the Macao Special Administrative Region will be able to make persistent efforts, strive for excellence, achieve new leaps, and create new brilliance

Now, I propose that we raise our glasses together:

For the prosperity and strength of our great motherland

For a better tomorrow in Macau

For the health and happiness of all friends and family present here

Cheers