“The establishment of the MSAR has ushered in a new historic era for Macau, providing new opportunities for investors, local and overseas. Following the mega trend of globalization and economic integration, the Macau SAR Government are ready to boost international cooperation,” said Chief Executive, Edmund Ho, at the dinner with members of Consol Corp accredited to the Macau SAR.
Edmund Ho said in his speech: “The Macau Special Administrative Region is exactly half a year old today. In the past six months, we have been doing our best to implement the policy of “one country, two systems”, and ensure that the existing capitalist system and life-style of Macau remain unchanged. Thanks to the trust of the Central Government, the support of the international communities and the concerted efforts of the people of Macau, the MSAR Government has been operating smoothly; there has been obvious improvement in public order; the tourist industry is rebounding; and our residents are enjoying a stable and peaceful life.”
“In view of the circumstances, past and present, of the Macau society, we have decided on “consolidating the fundamentals for steady sustainable growth” as our main policy in the early days of the MSAR. As an accountable government, we must first of all improve our own economy, and, at the same time, seize every opportunity and find new directions to move in so that Macau can advance together with the rest of the region.”
“Guaranteed by “The Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region”, the MSAR Government is making every effort to bring into full play its role as a free port-city. Right now, we are going all out to better the investment environment. For example, in addition to infrastructural projects, we are also speeding up legal construction, boosting the services of the Institute for the Promotion of Trade and Investment of Macau, streamlining financial management and enhancing the quality of human resources. In short, the MSAR Government is committed to these tasks and determined to create a liberal market environment for fair competition. As you already aware, starting from the coming October, the telecommunication industry of Macau will be liberalized on a gradual basis.”
“Historical affinities have made Macau a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures, where two distinctive cultural identities coexist and grow in harmony.” Edmund Ho mentioned: “As the facade of the St. Paul’s, a fascinating landmark of Macau, is engraved with the features of two great civilizations, having cultivated in Macau a fine tradition of acceptance, tolerance, openness and coexistence.”
He emphasized: “The Macau SAR Government will carry on this tradition, and actively build up ties and contacts with our friends from all over the world.”
He pointed out that his recent visit to Portugal and France has achieved many fruitful results. Especially valuable are meetings with the heads of state and entrepreneurs there, which has not only enhanced mutual understanding but also further strengthened friendly relations between Macau and EU countries. He is also confident that this friendship is bound to be more profound in the future.
“Macau is a city of culture, leisure and tranquillity, and offers a rich variety of cuisine for gourmets,” Edmund Ho mentioned, suggesting the members of the Consol Corp to come to Macau more often, to enjoy the easiness that the city offer to all tourist, and also sharing the beautiful experiences of Macau with people of their country.
More than 40 members of the Consol Corp have attended the dinner, with the presence of Susana Chou, the President of the Legislative Assembly, and Sam Hou Fai, the president of the Court of Final Appeal.