Spokesperson on Macao's situation after its return to China one year ago

2000-12-12 17:39

It has been nearly a year since Macao returned to China. During this period, the policy of "one country, two systems", "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy has been implemented in an all-round way in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). The SAR Government headed by Edmund Ho Hau Wah has taken active measures in developing the economy, rectifying the public order and handling issues related to people's livelihood, thus bringing forth a good start. At present the people in Macao are enjoying social stability, peace and tranquility of their mind and the legal system has improved. The rights and ways of life of the Macao people have been fully protected and the public order markedly improved. The economy has bottomed up with signs of recovery. It is estimated that the Macao economy will grow by 4% this year, the first positive increase ever in four years. The SAR Government has actively carried out foreign-related work, fostering its new image in the world. In the previous year, the Central Government has strictly abided by the Basic Law, fully respected the autonomous rights of the SAR Government and whole-heartedly supported the work of the SAR Government. We will continue to implement unswervingly the policy of "one country, two systems", "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy and maintain the original system and ways of life unchanged for 50 years.