The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, attends the opening ceremony of the 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the World Chinese Press Association, held in Macao.
The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, today attended the 59th Annual Conference of The Chinese Language Press Institute. Speaking at the event, Mr Sam said the decision to hold the conference in Macao again demonstrated the industry’s support for the “One country, two systems” principle, and its interest in the development of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR).
It is hoped that through this annual event, participants will work together to foster development; contribute fresh insights and strength to promoting the high-quality development of the Chinese-language newspaper industry; publicise the successful implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle; effectively convey Macao’s story to the outside world; and convey China’s perspective regarding its contribution of fresh wisdom and strength, he added.
Mr Sam stated that The Chinese Language Press Institute is a long-established and highly-representative international organisation for the Chinese-language press, with membership spread across numerous countries and regions around the world, giving it a wide reach and considerable influence.
The association holds its Annual Conference in a different country or region each year, bringing together Chinese-language media from around the world to share experiences in media development and discuss current issues. The conference provides a valuable platform for dialogue, exchange and practical cooperation.
The association has deep-rooted ties to Macao, having held its annual general meeting there on two previous occasions.
Today, editors-in-chief and senior media professionals from Chinese-language newspapers based at home and overseas have once again gathered in Macao to explore the future of the Chinese-language newspaper industry amidst a century of profound change. The conference holds significant practical importance for promoting the development of the sector and supporting the promotion of Macao.
Mr Sam pointed out that since Macao’s return to the motherland – and with the strong support of the Central Government and the Chinese mainland – Macao has undergone momentous and heartening changes and achieved development successes that are plain for all to see.
The MSAR Government has consistently and resolutely safeguarded the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests, and has driven historic leaps forward in economic and social development.
Macao’s profile and influence as a world centre of tourism and leisure have risen significantly, demonstrating to the world through concrete actions that the “One country, two systems” principle possesses remarkable institutional advantages and strong vitality.
In this regard, the MSAR Government, in accordance with the Macao Basic Law and the city’s Press Law, fully safeguards freedom of the press and freedom of publication in Macao. The MSAR Government has also consistently shown concern for, and supported and promoted, the media sector – including the newspaper industry – in the strengthening of the sector’s professional capabilities and its achievement of sound development.
Mr Sam said the MSAR Government is working closely with all sectors of society to align Macao’s development with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, whilst systematically and pragmatically advancing the Third Five-Year Plan of the MSAR, guided by Macao’s development positioning as “One Centre, One Platform and One Base”, and “One Highland”.
With the Four Major Projects and a government guidance fund as key drivers, the MSAR Government will spare no effort in promoting Macao’s appropriate economic diversification and deepen its integrated development with Hengqin. It will also accelerate Macao’s integration into, and contribution to, the country’s overall development, and strive to establish Macao as a vital bridgehead for the country’s high-level opening-up and an important window for exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilisations.
Mr Sam emphasised that the news media play an irreplaceable and positive role in disseminating information, exchanging ideas, promoting development, and exercising public oversight. Particularly in the current context, they bear the important mission of spreading positive energy, building soft power, fostering mutual trust and forging consensus, he added.
