The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today called on Government officials to adhere to aspirations set out by President Xi Jinping, in order to lead Macao in grasping opportunities arising from the country’s reform and opening-up policies.

Key speeches from President Xi regarding the country’s reform and opening up, had spelt out new visions for the country’s development. Aspirations outlined in those speeches served as fresh guidance for Macao’s development, added Mr Chui.

Mr Chui today gave a keynote speech during a sharing session. Today’s meeting was hosted by the Office of the Chief Executive, with an aim to promote a better understanding in Macao of major principles and strategies in the country’s reform and opening-up policies for a new era of prosperity. The session was held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome and attended by some 180 Government representatives, including principal officials and bureau directors.

The event addressed precisely the aspirations outlined in key speeches made by the President, and that had been delivered at gatherings to mark the 40th anniversary of the country’s reform and opening up.

The year 2018 had marked the 40th anniversary of the implementation by the country of reform and opening-up policies, noted Mr Chui. President Xi had made a series of speeches in 40th anniversary-related events – including in particular at a gathering held on 18 November – as well as at a meeting on 12 November that involved delegations from Hong Kong and Macao.

According to Mr Chui, President Xi’s speeches not only affirmed Macao’s role and contributions during the reform and opening-up process that had taken place over the past 40 years, but also expressed the country’s expectation and confidence regarding Macao’s future development.

President Xi had spoken of Macao’s special advantages and unique roles, and how they were essential to the process of the country’s reform and opening up, added Mr Chui.

During today’s meeting, Mr Chui shared his respective understanding of topics in the President’s speeches that related to international affairs, to the country’s development, and to Macao’s strategic roles.

The Chief Executive asked Government officials to step up effort in order to implement President Xi’s four aspirations for Macao.

These were: that the city play a more active role in the nation’s reform and opening-up process; that Macao should diligently integrate its development with the country’s overall progress; that Macao should make greater contributions to the country’s governance system; and that the city should facilitate people-to-people exchanges at an international level.

In addition, Mr Chui mentioned in his speech that the Macao Government would further develop its youth policies – regarding education, employment and self-improvement – in line with the President’s guidance, in order to ensure young people’s healthy development, and to help cultivate their respective strengths.