The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Government would introduce long-term planning in various areas, including social security, healthcare, education and housing. Reviewing the achievements of the past 12 months, Mr Chui said Macao had remained stable with its economy growing steadily, as the Government continued to carry out its principle of putting the people first. He said the Government had dealt with various issues in the past year, such as constitutional development, inflation, the needs of the under-privileged, housing market, public housing, emergencies and buildings with structural problems. During the process of dealing with these matters, the Government kept placing the benefits of the residents as priority and paid attention to the suggestion and advice of community organisations and the general public. This brought the residents and the Government even closer, and also contributed to the attainment of a more prosperous, harmonious and stable society, Mr Chui said. He expressed his gratitude to all members of our community for their love of Macao and their support to the Government. Speaking on his plan for new year, Mr Chui said that in addition to introducing tax exemptions and other measures that would benefit the people, the Government would focus on formulating long-term planning in the areas of social security, healthcare, education, housing, transport and environmental protection. He acknowledged that there were still different problems that had to be addressed amid our community, and that there was still room for improvement for the Government. He stressed that with the concerted efforts and endeavour of the whole community, Macao will be able to overcome these difficulties and challenges and achieve even better results. He said that the development of Macao would continue as the Mainland optimised the policy of reforming and opening-up, for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The Government would extend co-operation and exchanges with the Mainland in trade and other areas to diversify Macao's industrial spectrum and enhance its competitiveness. He expressed his gratitude to residents and public servants who had to work over the New Year holidays and wished everyone a good year ahead.
