President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Sam Hou Fai, who was newly elected as the chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and recently appointed by China's central government.
The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Witnessed by Xi, Premier Li Qiang presented Sam with a decree of the State Council appointing the latter as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR.
Xi congratulated Sam on his appointment, and commended him for holding a firm stance of loving the country and Macao, conscientiously fulfilling his duties, and making contributions to Macao's prosperity and stability during his long tenure as the president of Macao's Court of Final Appeal.
Since Sam's candidacy for chief executive, he has presented a good image of working in a pragmatic manner and staying close to the people, as well as facing problems head-on, Xi said, adding that Sam's election platform aligns with the aspirations of Macao residents for a better life.
Sam's nomination and election by an overwhelming majority have demonstrated that he has won broad public endorsement in Macao, Xi said, adding that the central government fully recognizes and trusts him.
Xi said that for the past 25 years since Macao returned to its motherland, with strong support from the central government and the Mainland, the SAR government, along with all social sectors in Macao, have continued to work strenuously, making remarkable achievements in promoting the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.
Xi said the central government will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely uphold the principle of "one country, two systems," under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy.
Emphasizing the weighty responsibilities of chief executive's role, Xi expressed his hope that Sam will shoulder his responsibilities and fulfill his mission to lead the new Macao SAR government in uniting all social sectors with shared commitment.
Xi called on Sam to make greater efforts in constantly breaking new ground in the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics, so as to make greater contributions to building China into a great country and achieving national rejuvenation.
Sam said he is honored to be appointed the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR by the central government.
He pledged his commitment to fully, faithfully and resolutely upholding the "one country, two systems" principle under the leadership of President Xi and the central government, defending the country's sovereignty, security and development interests, and enhancing Macao's integration into the overall development of the country.
Sam also pledged efforts to enhance public governance capabilities, appropriately diversify Macao's economy, improve people's livelihood and promote development in various fields in Macao.
Sam was elected the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao SAR on Oct 13, and his tenure will start from Dec 20, 2024.
Xi meets Macao's incoming chief executive Sam Hou Fai
Leaders and experts involved in poverty alleviation efforts worldwide gathered in Beijing on Thursday for the 2024 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum, where China's commitment and contribution to global fight against poverty took center stage.
In over four decades, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty. But it hasn't stopped there -- the country is now taking steps to build on this achievement and ensure millions don't slip back into destitution, while also reaffirming its commitment to global efforts aimed at alleviating poverty.
"Poverty reduction and development are the common themes of human society and carry people's aspirations for a better life. Looking to the future, China seeks to share experiences in poverty reduction, food security, agricultural science and technology, and implement pragmatic projects to benefit more countries," said Zhang Zhili, an official of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The agriculture ministry says China's hybrid rice is now sown on nearly 70 countries across five continents. In many African nations, yields have skyrocketed from an average of two tons to an impressive 7.5 tons per hectare. China has also launched numerous programs and offered aid and technical support to developing countries in agricultural production and rural development.
Under the China-initiated Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, Myanmar has worked with 118 projects from 2017 to 2024 with a budget of 35.2 million U.S. dollars, official data showed.
"Through the result of the project, we can learn a lot of lessons. We will continue the partnership with China, and also all global partnerships, including ASEAN," said U Khant Zaw, permanent secretary of Myanmar's Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development.
From December 1, 2024, China will extend zero-tariff treatment to 100 percent of tariff lines for products originating from all least developed countries (LDCs) that maintain diplomatic relations with China.
"In our meeting with the Chinese ambassador in Afghanistan, he said the tariff for Afghan agricultural exports will come down to zero. We can bring more Afghan agriculture and livestock production to the Chinese market. We hope we can strengthen this relationship in the future," said Sadr Azam Usmani, Afghan vice minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.
In Africa, China has set up and implemented 47 poverty reduction and agricultural projects, trained close to 9,000 agricultural personnel, shared over 300 advanced and applicable technologies, and benefited over one million smallholders under its poverty reduction and agricultural development program, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
"Agriculture is modernized by mechanization and more technology transfer to the developing countries, so it can have a positive impact in the production. We have a Chinese demonstration center in my country where Chinese engineers come and demonstrate practices," said Abdourahmane Diouf, first counselor of Senegal to China.
The fight against poverty is a collective endeavor that transcends borders. As stakeholders from around the globe come together, there is renewed hope that through shared commitment, the world can make progress toward eradicating poverty and ensuring that no one gets hungry.
China reaffirms commitment to global fight against poverty at Beijing forum
