2016年CRI Premier pledges full support for Macao SAR's development（在线收听）

During the visit to the Macao SAR government headquarters, Premier Li Keqiang hailed the contributions the region has made since its return to the motherland 17 years ago, calling them "praise-worthy."

"Under the leadership of Chief Executive Chui Sai On, the SAR government has led all walks of life in Macao and successfully tackled challenges and made new achievements in terms of maintaining political stability, economic prosperity and social harmony. The central government fully recognizes the SAR government's work."

Premier Li also expressed hope that the regional administration would overcome difficulties and continue to take initiative to realize good management and regional development while uniting local people.

He pledged that the central government will continue to fully implement "one country, two systems," "Macao people administering Macao," a high degree of autonomy, and the Basic Law.

The law-based governance by the chief executive and the SAR administration will be fully supported, while the region's participation in national development strategies will also be backed.

The premier said Macao should seize opportunities, make full use of national policies, and promote development and prosperity to improve the well-being of the 650 thousand residents of the region.

"We hope that the SAR government will further improve the effectiveness of its administration, adhere to promoting the proper diversification of the region's local economy, take part in national development strategies, and deepen cooperation with the mainland."

In the meantime, the central government has formulated a series of policies and measures to support the SAR in developing its economy, improving people's livelihood and strengthening exchanges and cooperation with inland areas.

Li Keqiang says the policies will benefit Macao in line with the current situation and the demands of the region's development.

"The central government will support the SAR government in hosting an annual global tourism economy forum, creating influential conventions and exhibitions, setting up a renminbi clearing center for Portuguese-speaking countries and establishing the headquarters of the cooperation and development fund between China and Portuguese speaking countries."

During his visit to Macao, Premier Li is scheduled to attend the opening of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.