President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) marked a significant milestone in the region’s development under the \"One Country, Two Systems\" framework. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, Xi’s three-day tour showcased his dedication to guiding Macao towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
During his stay from Wednesday to Friday, Xi attended 18 events, including the inauguration of the SAR’s sixth-term government and various inspection tours. These events provided him with opportunities to engage deeply with Macao residents from all walks of life, reflecting his commitment to understanding and addressing the region’s needs.
Recognizing Macao’s Remarkable Growth
In his speeches, Xi lauded Macao’s impressive economic and social advancements. Since 1999, Macao’s GDP soared from 51.9 billion patacas to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023, with per capita GDP more than quadrupling to around $70,000. The influx of tourists skyrocketed from 7.74 million to 28.2 million, and fiscal reserves surged from 13 billion patacas to over 600 billion patacas, showcasing a period of leap-forward development.
Xi highlighted the region’s commitment to enhancing residents’ well-being, noting that education from kindergarten to senior high school is now free and the average life expectancy has risen from 77.9 years in 1999 to 83.1 years in 2023. These achievements underscore Macao’s dedication to creating a high quality of life for its people.
In governance, Macao SAR has made significant strides by completing legislation to safeguard national security as stipulated by Article 23 of the Macao SAR Basic Law. This ensures the region’s constitutional order is firmly protected, fostering a stable environment for continued growth.
Xi’s commendations and encouragement have reinforced Macao’s confidence in its development path. His visit not only celebrates past successes but also paves the way for future initiatives, ensuring that Macao remains a beacon of prosperity and harmonious development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
