President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Macao has ignited a new era for the region’s future. Over three days, Xi attended numerous events, engaging with people from all walks of life and delivering important speeches that have set the direction for Macao’s development under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.
Xi praised Macao’s tremendous progress since its return to China 25 years ago. The region’s GDP soared from 51.9 billion patacas in 1999 to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023, and per capita GDP quadrupled to around $70,000. Tourism boomed, with visitors increasing from 7.74 million to over 28 million, and fiscal reserves grew significantly.
Beyond economic growth, Macao has made strides in improving its people’s well-being. Education is now free from kindergarten to senior high school, and the average life expectancy has risen from 77.9 to 83.1 years.
During his visit, President Xi shared his vision for Macao’s future, expressing four hopes for the newly inaugurated government:
- Promote appropriate economic diversification.
- Enhance governance as a special administrative region.
- Build Macao into a platform for higher-standard opening up.
- Maintain social harmony and stability.
The establishment of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin in 2021 has accelerated integration and provided a solid foundation for diversifying Macao’s economy.
With President Xi’s guidance and the support of the central government, Macao is poised to play a greater role in China’s journey toward national rejuvenation and modernization.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
