On the afternoon of 1 February, the 2024 Chinese New Year Cocktail Reception of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region was held at the Commercial and Trade Co-operation Service Platform Complex between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. Entrusted by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr. Zheng Xincong, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, on behalf of Mr. Xia Baolong, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, extended Chinese New Year greetings to Macao compatriots. More than 1,200 people attended the reception, including Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Liu Xianfa, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macao, Lin Qinghua, Political Commissar of the Macao Garrison, Huang Liuquan, Yan Zhichan and Lu Yuyin, Deputy Directors of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Ko Kai Yin, President of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Sam Ho Fai, President of the Court of Final Appeal of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Chui Shichang, Zhang Zongzhen, Liu Yahuang and Ho Yunsheng, members of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and representatives from all walks of life in Macao.
Zheng Xincong said in his speech that the past year has been the first year for the full implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and it is also a year for economic recovery and development after the three-year transition of new crown epidemic prevention and control. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has united and led the people of the whole country to calmly respond to various risks and challenges at home and abroad, continue to struggle and forge ahead, successfully accomplish the main expected goals of economic and social development, and take solid steps to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way, drawing a magnificent picture of the new era. With the strong support of the Central Government and the leadership of Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, the Government has worked together with all sectors of society to forge ahead with sincerity and determination. The high-quality revision of the National Security Law of Macao has been implemented, Macao's electoral system has been further improved, the "fast forward button" has been pressed for economic recovery, the first comprehensive and systematic diversified development plan in Macao's history has been announced, new progress has been made in the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, cultural and sports undertakings have been further improved, and people's livelihood and well-being have been continuously improved. After the earthquake disaster in Gansu and Qinghai, people from all walks of life in Macao enthusiastically donated money and materials to assist the disaster areas, fully demonstrating the deep feelings of family and country for each other and compatriots.
Zheng Xincong pointed out that President Xi Jinping has always been concerned about the development of Macao, and in May last year, after the successful launch of the "Macao Science 1" satellite, he immediately replied to the teachers and students of the Macau University of Science and Technology who participated in the development of the satellite, encouraging and encouraging them; in December, when listening to the work report of Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, he fully affirmed that the Chief Executive and the SAR Government have conscientiously performed their duties and are pragmatic and promising; in the 2024 New Year's message, he stressed the need to continue to support Hong Kong and Macao to give full play to their own advantages and maintain long-term prosperity and stability while better integrating into the overall development of the country. All these fully reflect President Xi Jinping's cordial concern for Macao compatriots, and have pointed out the direction of progress and injected strong impetus into our new situation. The new year is of special significance to Macao. We should bear in mind President Xi Jinping's earnest entrustment, and with the ambition and vigor of the dragon, we should broadly gather the positive energy of Macao society, grasp the new historical direction, seize new opportunities for development, and achieve new development in various undertakings in Macao. First, we must resolutely safeguard national security. Enhance awareness of safeguarding national security, implement measures to safeguard national security, promote the improvement of relevant legal systems and enforcement mechanisms, take a clear-cut stand against all acts that endanger national sovereignty, security and development interests, and make every effort to safeguard the hard-won prosperity and stability. Second, we must accelerate the promotion of moderate economic diversification. Give full play to Macao's unique status and advantages, deepen exchanges and cooperation with other countries and regions, actively participate in major national strategies such as the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, accelerate the implementation of the "1+4" diversified industrial development plan, and vigorously promote the construction of the Hengqin In-depth Cooperation Zone, so as to enhance economic resilience and sustainable development capabilities. Third, we must continue to improve our governance capabilities and governance levels. Firmly support the Chief Executive and the SAR Government in fulfilling their responsibilities as leaders, improve the governance system, enhance the effectiveness of governance, and continuously promote scientific government decision-making, precise social governance, and efficient public services. Fourth, we must continue to consolidate the social and political foundation of patriotism and love for Macao. We will further carry forward the fine tradition of close cooperation and mutual support between the Government and patriotic associations, and build consensus among the society. Firmly implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao", actively practice the core values of patriotism and love for Macao, and persistently promote patriotic education. More attention should be paid to young people's studies, employment and entrepreneurship, so as to create more opportunities for young people to grow into talents and integrate into the overall development of the country.
In his speech, Ho Iat Seng said that the past 2023 is a year of post-pandemic recovery, and with the strong leadership and strong support of the Central Government, and with the joint efforts of all sectors of society and residents, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved new results and progress, showing a new atmosphere and new look. During the year, a number of major and far-reaching efforts were achieved, including the successful completion of the revision and implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security, the orderly progress of the revision of the Chief Executive Election Law and the Legislative Council Election Law, and the further implementation of the "patriots administering Macao" Principles of Implementing Macao's First Comprehensive and Systematic Diversified Development Plan to Pragmatically Promote Moderate Economic Diversification, Continuously Optimizing Various People's Livelihood Tasks, Significantly Improving the Employment Situation of Residents, Orderly Implementation of the Tiered Housing Policy, Putting the Union Medical College Hospital into Trial Operation, Accelerating Major Infrastructure Construction, and Splendid Cultural, Sports and Performing Arts Activities, Actively Integrating into the Overall Development of the Country, Achieving New Achievements in the Construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Continuously Expanding Foreign Exchanges and Cooperation, and Enriching the Connotation of "One Centre, One Platform, One Base".
Ho Iat Seng pointed out that the motherland is a strong backing for Macao to maintain long-term prosperity and stability, and the development achievements of the Macao Special Administrative Region are inseparable from the strong leadership and strong support of the central authorities. President Xi Jinping has always been concerned about the development of Macao, and has cared for and cared for Macao compatriots, and a series of important speeches and instructions have pointed out a clear direction for Macao's future development. In the new year, we will make persistent efforts to welcome the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, and the third anniversary of the establishment of the Hengqin In-depth Cooperation Zone and the year of the realization of the first phase of development goals with new development achievements. The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region will strengthen its confidence, seek progress while maintaining stability, and make greater efforts to safeguard national security and development interests, and make every effort to safeguard Macao's social stability and long-term peace and stability. Accelerate the implementation of the main tasks and key projects set out in the plan for moderate economic diversification, pragmatically promote the development of the In-depth Cooperation Zone, and earnestly promote the high-quality economic development of Macao. Continuously improve the level of governance, enhance the effectiveness of governance, improve people's livelihood and well-being, and make the sense of gain, happiness and security of the majority of residents more fulfilling, more secure and more sustainable. We will give full play to Macao's unique geographical and institutional advantages, actively participate in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, better integrate into the overall development of the country, and seize the opportunity to promote the new development of Macao's various undertakings.