Build on Macao’s Success with the One Country, Two Systems Policy

Build on Macao’s Success with the One Country, Two Systems Policy*

January 27 and December 22, 2021

I

In line with the requirements of Covid-19 control, I have listened to your report on the work of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government in 2020 via video link. This was the first year of your term in office and also of the new MSAR government. You have tamed the Covid-19 epidemic in Macao in a fairly short period, as a result of a quick response and forceful measures. No new local infections have been reported for more than 300 days. You have earned high praise for your efforts from the citizens of Macao and other relevant sectors. While containing the virus, you have also taken effective measures to enable economic recovery and help relieve the people of difficulties and hardships. These measures have achieved positive results and promoted social harmony in Macao. The central authorities fully acknowledge the work you and the MSAR government have done.

The central authorities always concern ourselves with the wellbeing of our Macao compatriots and the development of the MSAR. We will continue to support the MSAR government’s efforts to coordinate epidemic response with economic and social development, to improve its legal system and corresponding enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, to promote an appropriate level of diversity in its economy, and to integrate into the country’s overall development, so as to further advance Macao’s success with the One Country, Two Systems policy.

(from a virtual meeting with MSAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng,
who reported on his work in 2020, January 27, 2021)

II

On December 20, the MSAR held activities to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. On this occasion, I would like to extend my festive greetings and best wishes to all compatriots in Macao.

Over the past year, Macao has maintained stability and sustained strong momentum in development. You have continued normal people-to-people exchanges with the mainland while effectively taming Covid-19 and achieving zero infection. Macao has made a gradual economic recovery, with struggling groups and micro and small businesses receiving support and assistance. The legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security have continued to improve. The region successfully completed the election of its seventh Legislative Assembly, and the principle of patriots governing Macao has been implemented. The central authorities have issued a general plan for building a Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, creating new momentum for Macao to integrate into overall national development. The central authorities fully acknowledge the work that you, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, and the MSAR government have done.

Covid-19 is still spreading and has had a severe impact on society and the economy across the world. The pandemic has also given the various sectors of Macao a clearer understanding of the structural problems in the city’s economy and prompted deeper reflection on its path of development. The motherland will always provide the strongest backing for Macao in maintaining long-term prosperity and stability. Adhering to the One Country, Two Systems policy, the central authorities will continue to enable the city to diversify its economy, and open a new chapter in the practice of One Country, Two Systems with Macao characteristics.

(from a meeting with MSAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, who
reported on his work during a visit to Beijing, December 22, 2021)

* Main points in response to the work reports from Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

(Not to be republished for any commercial or other purposes.)