Central government's support secures stability, development of Macao SAR: chief executive

China

Central government's support secures stability, development of Macao SAR: chief executive

2024-12-16 17:31 Last Updated At：21:07

High-level support from the Chinese central government within the framework of "one country, two systems" principle secures the stability and development of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), said Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng.

Ho made the statement in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on an occasion that Macao will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland on Dec 20.

Ho said support from the central government and connectivity with the mainland have helped Macao go through the most difficult time during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have been in office for five years now. Soon after taking office, the epidemic [COVID-19 pandemic] broke out. We acted quickly and established an effective prevention and control mechanism. We have strengthened cooperation with the mainland. We have withstood the most severe impact since the reunification [Macao's return to China in 1999], but thanks to the high-level support for 'one country, two systems', strong support from the central government, Macao has maintained stability and development," Ho said.

"In the first three years of administration during the pandemic, the work on the economy and people's livelihood could not stop. We used this time to vigorously promote infrastructure development and make up for some shortcomings. We strengthened connectivity with the mainland and other places to prepare for all customs circulation in Macao," said the chief executive.

Ho said that during his five-year administration, the SAR government has taken multiple measures to improve the people's livelihood and support the region's economic development.

"In addition, the government of Macao have maintained sound fiscal reserves, providing a strong guarantee for infrastructure construction and livelihood projects. During the epidemic, the Macao government did not reduce any welfare input for the people, but increased it. On housing, the SAR Government has made great efforts to provide economic housing and social housing to those in need. We have also introduced a policy of free healthcare and education. The SAR Government continues to implement the cash sharing scheme. If members of the public or enterprises have difficulties, the SAR Government will certainly provide support, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises," Ho said.

Sam Hou Fai was elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of Macao SAR in October. Ho said the past five years have laid a solid foundation for the new administration.

"After five years of hard work, despite a large amount of infrastructure and social welfare spending, the current SAR government still has a fiscal surplus of 50 billion to 60 billion Macao dollars (6.24 billion to 7.49 billion U.S. dollars) to be handed over to the next SAR Government, and there are no domestic and foreign debts, not a single cent of bonds have been issued, and no payments are owed to construction companies for infrastructure projects. Our government's financial resources are sound, which has also created vital conditions for the steady and long-term implementation of 'one country, two systems' in Macao," he said.

Giant pandas in Macao capture hearts of visitors

2024-12-16 17:32 Last Updated At：21:07

A panda family of four in Macao has won the hearts of an increasing number of people with their fluffy appearance and adorable behaviors, attracting 290,000 visitors last year.

A pair of giant pandas Kaikai and Xinxin were chosen as a gift of the central government to the Macao Special Administrative Region in 2015. They gave birth to twin brothers Jianjian and Kangkang in Macao in 2016. The panda family is now living a happy and leisured life.

"This is our Kangkang, the younger twin. He's a little smaller in size and has a more pointed face, just like his dad Kaikai. He's also very smart and always gains affection of his breeders by acting in a cutesy manner," said a panda caretaker.

In the panda pavilion, Macao's Seac Pai Van Park, the panda family receives attentive care from their zoo keepers. They enjoy fresh local bamboo, fruit, and high-fiber biscuits every day, with special fruit and bamboo cakes on their birthdays.

"They're actually quite familiar with us. Since they're now adult pandas, we can't interact with them the same way we did when they were younger, like being in the same space. However, we still have regular interactions, such as touching them safely, which they seem to enjoy. Sometimes we clean biscuit crumbs off their mouth or nose. This helps them get used to our voices and smells, building their trust in us, which makes it easier to carry out medical checks for them," said the caretaker.

As the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China draws near, an increasing number of locals are visiting the park to see the panda family, wishing for them to thrive in Macao and bring even more happiness to the people, just as their names suggest.