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The President, Mr Hu Jintao, accompanied by State Councillor Ms Liu Yandong and the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On this afternoon laid the foundation stone for the new campus of the University of Macau on Hengqin Island, Zhuhai. Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Liu said that building the university campus on Hengqin Island was a significant strategy of the Central Government in supporting Macao’s education development. She said she believed that as the MSAR’s biggest tertiary institution, the University of Macau played a vital role in nurturing local talent and the new Hengqin campus would further enhance this role by providing the university with more room for development. Re-iterating the President’s expectations for the university, Ms Liu stressed she hoped it would become one of the best tertiary institutions in the world, with world class facilities, faculties, talent and research. She also pointed out that the creation of the Hengqin campus was the result of collaborative efforts from different parties, especially Guangdong and Zhuhai. For his part, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for approving the Hengqin campus project, giving a big boost to Macao’s sustainable development. He said the MSAR Government would use the project as a starting point for closer co-operation with Guangdong and regional integration in line with the Reform of the Pearl River Delta Region Development Plan. He also pledged that the MSAR Government would enhance investment in education and talent. Covering about 1.09 square kilometres, the Hengqin campus is about 20 times the size of the University’s existing campus. Upon completion in three years, it would be able to accommodate about 10,000 students. An underwater tunnel to be built to connect the campus with Macao will be open around the clock. With the MSAR Government having jurisdiction over the campus, local residents commuting between the new facility and Macao will not be subject to immigration or the usual cross-boundary checks.
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President Hu Jintao left Macao this afternoon on completion of his two-day visit to Macao. President Hu attended the Tenth Anniversary Celebrations of Macao’s Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Third-term MSAR Government this morning, at which Mr Chui Sai On was sworn in as Macao’s Chief Executive. Over these two days, President Hu met the outgoing Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the Chief Executive Chui Sai On, principal officials of the second-term and third-term SAR Government. Mr Hu also officiated the opening ceremony of Macao Science Center and laid the foundation stone of University of Macau’s campus on Hengqin Island. After presiding over the ceremony, Mr Hu was seen off by Chief Executive Chui Sai On and his wife, former Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah and his wife, principal officials and top officials of Guangdong Province. Afterwards, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, spoke to the press and gave them a gist of the President’s visit He said we could draw out four points from President Hu’s two official addresses and remarks on different occasions. First, President Hu fully affirmed the achievements of Mr Ho and his team over the past decade, and the implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is a complete success for Macao. Second, the successful experience of Macao gave us five important messages, which are fully and accurately understand the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, adhere to the Basic Law strictly, focus on development, maintain social harmony and stability, and nurture all kinds of talents. Third, President Hu asked Chief Executive Chui Sai On to learn from the success of the previous government and be brave and innovative in tackling problems and issues. Fourth, President Hu stressed that the motherland will give its full support to the implementation of the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Mr Bai said.
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The President, Mr Hu Jintao, presided over the inauguration ceremony of the Third-term Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) this morning at the Macao East Asian Games Dome. Addressing the gathering, the President first expressed his confidence that, building on past achievements, Macao would go from strength to strength under the leadership of the newly sworn-in government. He also paid tribute to Mr Deng Xiaoping, who proposed the concept of ‘One country, two systems’, as well as Mr Jiang Zemin, who contributed to the concept’s successful implementation. President Hu pointed out that Macao had faced different challenges over the past decade but it had emerged from each one of them stronger and better thanks to the steadfast support of the central government and the concerted efforts of Macao people. Reflecting on Macao’s extraordinary journey in the last 10 years, he summed up five lessons for Macao. “First and foremost, it is important to have a correct interpretation of the principle of ‘One country, two systems’ and enforce it accordingly. The key here is to build a solid political foundation for Macao’s long term stability and prosperity by promoting unity under the banner of loving the country and Macao. “Secondly, it is important to strictly abide by the Basic Law of Macao, which reigns supreme in the legal system of the MSAR. “Thirdly, it is important to focus on spurring development. Through the wisdom and efforts of all Macao people, we can devote more attention to the all-round, coordinated and sustainable development of Macao, enhancing its resilience to all kinds of financial risks. “Fourthly, it is important to safeguard social harmony and stability by all means possible…Last but not least, it is necessary to nurture different types of talent to raise the competitiveness of Macao,” said the President. For his part, Chief Executive Chui Sai On stressed that he would adhere to the principle of ‘putting people first’ in his governance – bearing in mind both continuity and innovation. In his inaugural speech, Mr Chui also noted that he would proactively facilitate the optimal diversification of the local economy in the coming five years. In addition, the new administration will be committed to improving the quality of life in Macao by increasing investment in healthcare, education, public housing and urban planning. “We will also enhance our governance by promoting public consultation and fostering integrity in government while building both an official accountability system and a fiscal reserve system,” he said. The Chief Executive underlined that his ultimate goal was to enable every resident of Macao to share in the fruits of the region’s economic growth. Rounding up his speech, he thanked the central government on behalf of the MSAR for its generosity in presenting a pair of pandas to the region. The ceremony began at 9:30 am at the Macao East Asian Games Dome and was attended by about 1400 guests.
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The President, Mr Hu Jintao, held a meeting with the newly sworn-in Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and principal officials of the Macao SAR this morning, where he spelt out his aspirations for the new administration. After congratulating Mr Chui on his inauguration, the President told him that the Central Government had full trust in him and hoped he would not let people down in uniting Macao and leading it towards a better future. On the new administration, Mr Hu said he hoped it would adhere to the following points -- putting people first, uniting as one, enhancing government efficiency and upholding integrity. He also urged the new administration to live up to the expectations entrusted to it by more than half a million Macao residents under the leadership of the Chief Executive. In a separate meeting with representatives from different sectors in Macao, including the former chief executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the President called for social unity and asked people from all walks of life to support the new administration in promoting growth and stability. He told the gathering that one of the factors which underlined Macao’s rapid growth was the unity and cohesion of its people. According to the President, Macao would be able to scale new heights if its people stand more united. He added that the achievements made by Macao in the past decade stood testimony to the success of the principle of ‘One country, two systems’. “We will continue to follow this correct path in future,” he noted.
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The President, Mr Hu Jintao, arrived in Macao today to attend tomorrow’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration of Macao’s Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Third-term MSAR Government. He was greeted by a cheering crowd as he descended from his chartered plane at Macao International Airport. Mr Hu, who is also the Chairman of the Central Military Commission and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Macao had grown with the motherland over the past decade and he was glad to see that every sector in Macao was flourishing. “During this visit, I want to see for myself the developments and changes that have taken place in Macao. I also want to join people from all walks of life here in reviewing Macao’s successful implementation of the principles of ‘One country, two systems’, ‘Macao people governing Macao’ and a high degree of antonomy, so as to chart a path for Macao’s long term stability and prosperity,” he added. Mr Hu was welcomed on the tarmac by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmumd Ho Hau Wah. Ms Lau Wai Ching, wife of Mr Ho, the Third-term Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, Ms Fok Wai Fun, wife of Mr Chui, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian., the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va, and other principal officials of the MSAR Government and central government officials posted in Macao. Shortly after his arrival, the President and his entourage headed to San Chok Un guesthouse, where he is staying for his two-day visit, for a meeting with the Chief Executive. Mr Hu last visited Macao in 2004 to mark the fifth anniversary of the region’s return to China.
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President Hu Jintao today praised the work of Macao officials and thanked them for their efforts in their work. Before attending a welcome reception hosted by the Macao SAR Government, the President met Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah and principal officials, President of the Legislative Assembly, presidents of different levels of courts, Public Prosecutor-General and members of the Executive Council at the Macao East Asian Games Dome in the afternoon. Mr Hu said that the officials had fulfilled their duties diligently and acted in accordance with the Basic Law and other regulations. Their efforts had ensured the implementations of the principles of ‘One country, two systems’, ‘Macao people governing Macao’, and a high degree of autonomy in Macao, he said. Mr Hu mentioned that the new Legislative Assembly was formed not long ago, and the next government will be sworn in tomorrow. He hoped that officials who will remain in their post will continue to work cautiously and diligently, while those who will leave will continue to contribute their efforts to the stability and prosperity of Macao.
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The President, Mr Hu Jintao, paid a visit to a Macao family today to learn more about the life of the Macao people. Accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Liao Hui, and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, Mr Hu visited a Macao family of four teachers. Mr Leung, aged over 60, is a school vice-principal and his wife is a retired teacher. Their two sons are both secondary school teachers. President Hu was interested in the housing and employment of Mr Leung’s family, and asked for details of house prices and their size, the period for repayment of mortgage. He also inquired about teachers’ salaries in Macao. President Hu told Mr Leung that the prosperity of Macao was brought about by the diligence of Macao people, and added that the rewards should be shared among the Macao people. He said that the Macao government and its people had worked in unity in the past few years. The next government should learn from the experience of the current administration and continue to innovate, he said.
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The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) has to focus on both continuity and innovation for it to usher in a better tomorrow. This is the advice from the President, Mr Hu Jintao, in a speech at a dinner reception to welcome him on his two-day to Macao. Mr Hu told the gathering that the Central Government had decided to present a pair of pandas to the MSAR to mark the 10th anniversary of its return to China. According to the President, the MSAR has made unprecedented achievements in the past decade, as reflected in the region’s sustained economic growth, social stability and improved international standing. He said: “All these stand as living proof of the immense vitality of the principle of ‘One country, two systems.’” Mr Hu also reaffirmed the Central Government’s steadfast support for the long term stability and prosperity of Macao in strict accordance with the Macao Basic Law. Noting that Mr Chui Sai On would be sworn in tomorrow as the next Chief Executive of Macao, the President urged the next administration to build on the success of the last 10 years and make fresh headway in the development of Macao. He stressed that it was important for Macao to keep up its good work while finding new ways to meet the challenges of changing times. “Only by striking a balance between continuity and innovation can we move forward on the basis of past achievements and take Macao’s development to a new level,” he said. Also addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho, said the 10th anniversary of Macao’s return to China spoke volumes about the wisdom and bold vision of Mr. Deng Xiaoping, who proposed the great concept of “One country, two systems”. “We also remember the encouragement entrusted to us by President Jiang Zemin on the first anniversary of Macao’s return to China. We will also never forget the visit of President Hu Jintao on the fifth anniversary of the MSAR and his four important suggestions which has been giving us fundamental guidance,” noted Mr Ho. He added he was confident that Macao would scale new heights under the leadership of the incoming Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. This evening’s reception, held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, was attended by more than 500 dignitaries.
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The President, Mr Hu Jintao visited the Macao Incineration Centre this afternoon to learn more about the processing of Macao’s household waste. Accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hao Wah, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io and the Director of the Environmental Protection Bureau, Mr Cheong Sio Kei, Mr Hu toured facilities in the incineration plant. Mr Hu also visited the control room where he shook hands with and greeted the staff. He showed great interest in hearing about the household waste processing procedure and technology. Mr Cheong gave an introduction to the President and guests on the development and achievement of Macao’s environmental infrastructure in recent years, including Macao dedication to the improvement of ecology at landfill parks, waste water treatment technology, household waste processing methods and its development orientation. Located on the Taipa Pak On Industrial Zone, the incineration centre was inaugurated in 1992. The expansion of the new plant came into use in 2008. Operating round the clock, the centre utilises the heat produced during household waste combustion to generate electric power, some of which is used by the centre itself and the rest supplied to the public electricity grid. Waste combustion will greatly reduce to the use of landfill for dumping and burying waste and generates benefits in both land and power supply. Six processing lines of the centre have a capacity of treating 1,728 tonnes of waste a day. Noise and wastewater emission standard of the centre meets international standards.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, today positively acknowledged the contributions of the civil service over the past ten years when he met civil servants of all levels. Mr Ho encouraged them to work closely with the new government and to continue to dedicate their efforts for the benefit of the Macao Special Administration Region (MSAR). Since the establishment of MSAR, Macao people have been working hard to implement the principles of “One country two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and the result was significant, he said. This success fully depended on the support from the Central Government, and the hard works of Macao citizen and civil servants. Mr Ho said he felt greatly honoured to have served Macao and to work with the civil service. As the MSAR moved to a new era, Mr Ho said he wished and believed officials from all levels and civil servants would continue to optimise service level for Macao citizens under the guidance of the Third-term Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On.
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