The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the government would continue to support the livelihood of the people of Macao amid uncertainties with the global economy. Mr Chui said this, when addressing 750 guests at a reception, hosted by the Macao SAR Government at the Macau Tower today as part of the celebrations of the 63rd National Day. He said the government had recently raised the minimum subsistence index and old-age allowance. In addition to ensuring a high employment rate, the government would also proactively support socially vulnerable groups and provide assistance to the economically-challenged, to ensure a reasonable share of economic gains among members of the community. The government would also help solve the housing issue and constitute a long-term social security mechanism. He said Macao should speed up evolving into a global tourism and leisure hub and a business and services platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. As for the tourism industry, he said the government would continue to support it and related sectors, and notably encourage the development of non-gaming elements and the enhancement of all kinds of facilities and services. Mr Chui also reviewed the exceptional achievements of the Mainland, highlighting its economic strategies and breakthroughs in social, livelihood of the public, science and education this year. He thanked the Central Government and all its representative offices in Macao for their comprehensive support for Macao. Guests attending the reception included the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Ho Hau Wah, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue, the Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng, the President of Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va, and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai. In the morning,some 200 guests attended the flag raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square.
Meanwhile, a number of government departments also hold celebratory events, including the World Walking Day Fun Run starting at Golden Lotus Square after the flag-raising ceremony, and a variety show organised by the Macao Sport Development Board, at Macao East Asian Games Dome, at 2 pm. Pyrotechnics displays of the 24th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, by teams from France and China, will take place on the waterfront near Macau Tower at 9 pm and 10 pm. Sale of Commemorative covers and a stamping service are offered at the Post Office from 9 am to 5.30 pm.
