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Macao

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Macao compatriots have acted with a high sense of responsibility as masters of the region. The return of Macao put an end to the long-term rule by foreigners, thus realizing the dream of Macao being governed by Macao people composed mainly of patriots. The SAR government headed by Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah and the legislative and judicial organs have operated quite well while persistently implementing the ??one country, two systems?? policy. In accordance with the general guideline of ??seeking stable and sound development while consolidating the foundations??, the SAR government firmly and practically exercised its responsibility of governance in the first administrative year. The government functionary system has maintained stability with increased efficiency and improved public services. Encouraged by the policy of ??Macao governed by Macao people??, Macao compatriots and personalities of various circles have participated in the local administration and construction as well as State affairs with increasing enthusiasm.

Macao has strengthened its ties with the mainland and other regions. Exchanges and cooperation with the mainland in the economic, educational, scientific and technological, cultural and sports fields have been enhanced. For instance, tourists from the mainland increased more than 40 percent in 2000. In the first half of 2000, the number of investment projects by Macao in the mainland increased by 152. The number of Macao students who registered for the examination for the admission to colleges on the mainland increased more than 20 percent over the previous year. Compatriots in Macao have been active in paying attention to and engaging in the national construction and reunification undertakings. They have expressed great enthusiasm in supporting the large-scale development of the western region and Beijing's Olympic bid. They urge and promote the two sides across the Taiwan Straits to realize reunification in accordance with the ??one country, two systems?? formula. In the meantime, by continuing to give play to its unique advantages, Macao has strengthened its economic and cultural ties and exchanges with other parts of the world, playing a better role of bridge between China's mainland and European Union.

Macao's legal system has been strengthened. Since the return, governing Macao according to law has been truly implemented in Macao. First of all, the SAR has earnestly exercised the administrative power, legislative power, independent judicial power and power of final adjudication granted by the Basic Law. Residents in Macao fully enjoy various rights and freedoms in speech, press, association and religious belief stipulated by the Basic Law. The rights and interests of residents who are Portuguese descendants are also protected according to law and their customs and cultural traditions are respected. Second, in line with the needs of social development and the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, the SAR government has formulated and revised a number of important laws having a bearing on the economy and the people's livelihood in an attempt to create a sound environment for the rule of law.

In short, over the past year following the return, Macao has maintained a sound trend of development. From an overall perspective, the society presents a picture of unity and prosperity, and residents in Macao have become more confident in the ??one country, two systems??policy and the future of Macao.

On December 20, 2000, a grand ceremony was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. President Jiang Zemin attended the ceremony. He said the return of Macao to the embrace of the motherland, after having experienced many vicissitudes, was a result of the protracted and unyielding struggle and strenuous efforts of the Chinese people. It was also a victory of the great thinking of ??peaceful reunification and one country, two systems?? proposed by Deng Xiaoping, he said. Over the year since the return, Jiang noted, the SAR government headed by Ho Hau Wah had been enterprising and led residents in Macao to surmount various difficulties, bringing about a new encouraging look to Macao. He said facts had convincingly demonstrated that the principles of ??one country, two systems" and "Macao governed by Macao people with a high degree of autonomy?? are completely correct, and the people in Macao is fully capable of governing Macao well.

Ho Hau Wah said that the principles of ??one country, two systems??, ??Macao governed by Macao people??and high degree of autonomy had smoothly pas sed the preliminary test in the Macao SAR and achieved remarkable effects. He said that, over the past year, the Central Government and various departments on the mainland had fully implemented the principle of ??one country, two systems??. Instead of interfering in the affairs within Macao's autonomy, they had rendered active support to Macao's stability and development.

Ho said that since the return, the Macao SAR government had carried out the administration strictly in line with the Basic Law. The normal operation of the Macao SAR government had demonstrated its administrative capability. Government functionaries at all levels had stood fast at their posts; the market environment had gradually improved; and public order had improved greatly. The economy had got out of its sluggish predicament and embarked on the road of recovery. Generally speaking, society had been progressing while maintaining stability. Ho said that the government's administration could only be successful with the active cooperation and participation of Macao residents. Over the past year, the broad masses of Macao residents, acting with a sense of responsibility as masters of the region, had actively cooperated with the SAR government's administration, making outstanding contributions in many fields.

He said that to put itself in an invincible position and obtain continuous and steady development, Macao must fully and accurately make use of the sufficient guarantee provided by the fundamental principle of ??one country, two systems?? to continuously improve the internal conditions and enhance the competitiveness. By actively taking advantage of the development momentum both on the mainland and in the rest of the world, Macao will strengthen the complementation and cooperation with Guangdong, Hong Kong and other neighboring regions. In doing so, Macao will accelerate the reform and optimization of its advantageous industries while bringing along the synchronous development of other fields. The Macao SAR government will unswervingly adhere to the Basic Law and build Macao into a place where the local people may enjoy a good and prosperous life.

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