The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wu Bangguo, stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of Central Government's guidelines and policies for Macao. Mr Wu was speaking at a conference on the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of Macao, which took place at the Macao Cultural Centre this morning. He emphasised three key points in promoting the Basic Law: 1. Adhering to the principles of Central Government's guidelines and policies for Macao,
2. Profoundly understanding the systems exercised in the Macao SAR, and
3. Fully understanding the relation between the nation's socialism and Macao's capitalism. He said there were two principles in Central Government's guidelines and policies for Macao: first, protecting the sovereignty, security and interests of the nation, and second, keeping the long-term prosperity and security of Macao. To develop the nation and Macao, it would be necessary to uphold the principle of one country and respect the differences of the two systems, he said. In his speech at the conference, the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On described the Basic Law as enormous and historic in ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. The Basic Law enshrined the fundamental principle of 'One country, two systems' and a series of national policies for Macao, and laid the foundation for a smooth handover and the establishment of the Macao SAR and the sustainable and stable development of Macao, he said. He emphasised the importance of profoundly understanding the principle of 'One country, two systems' and the necessity of understanding and handling the relation of the Central Government and the Special Administrative Region. Mr Chui also stressed the significance of protecting and propelling the administrative-led political structure, the balance and co-operation between the administration and legislature, and the independence of the judiciary. He said Macao should hone in on the advantages provided by the Basic Law to extend regional co-operation with the Mainland to turn Macao into a global tourism and leisure hub and the business and trading platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, and help the cause of diversifying Macao's industrial portfolio and increase its competitiveness in the future. We should also cultivate young talents and continue to promote the Basic Law, he said. Mr Chui said since the promulgation of the Basic Law 20 years ago, the principle of 'One country, two systems' had continued to benefit the people of Macao. He extended his gratitude to all the people who participated in the process of research, draft, counsel and formulation of the legislation and all the organisations and people who contributed in promotion of the law. On behalf of the Macao SAR, Mr Chui thanked the Chairman, Mr Wu Bangguo, and all the delegates and members of the National People's Congress. The President of the Association of Promotion of the Basic Law of Macao, Mr Liu Chak Wan, and a member of drafting committee of the Basic Law, Mr Lau Cheok Wa, who is also the President of the Legislative Assembly, also spoke at the ceremony. The ceremony was also attended by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Zhou Tienong; Vice Chairman of CPPCC, Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Vice Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Qiao Xiaoyang; the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; and the principle officials of Macao, Macao's deputies to the National People's Congress, members of the CPPCC, the Executive Council and the Legislative Assembly, heads of the courts, and hundreds of members of the communities. After attending the conference, Mr Wu Bangguo attended the opening ceremony of the Commemorative Gallery of the Basic Law of Macao and a book launching ceremony. In the afternoon, he is scheduled to visit Cunha Road in Taipa to learn more about the tourism industry and economy of Macao, and attend a briefing at the Macau Tower by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, about the urban planning of Macao. In the evening, he is scheduled to attend a banquet to celebrate the centennial of the Macao Chamber of Commerce.
