Dear guests and friends,

Today, our spirits high, we celebrate the second anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. First, let me extend my warmest welcome to all guests and friends here, and join you in adding my congratulations on this special occasion.

In the two years since the establishment of the SAR Government, Macao people have united to self-confidently promote ongoing progress under the principles of "One Country, Two Systems" and "Macao People Administering Macao" with a high degree of autonomy. This unity of purpose has laid the foundation for our future success. Macao people will continue meeting challenges in a practical and persistent manner, ensuring the SAR heads towards a bright future.

During these two years, the Macao SAR has fostered development and held firm through adversity, neither of which would have been possible without the support of the central government. In these two years, our Motherland has developed rapidly and gained ever-increasing international influence, making us here in Macao even more confident that we can cope with every difficulty and create a bright future for the city. After reunification, contacts between Macao and the Mainland have become more frequent. Both sides have been actively planning and undertaking a variety of flexible, co-operative ventures with shared goals. These demonstrate that two regions with different administrative systems in one country can closely interact. The new co-operative ventures are also yielding valuable experience for developing the future Macao.

The two-year-old Macao SAR has already accumulated a range of valuable experience in building on the past and forging the future. Since reunification, Macao people, being the "masters" of Macao, have been actively taking part in public affairs and effectively overseeing the government administration. As regards those aspects needing improvement, people have given their forgiveness and tolerance. In the present economic downturn, every sector of society has been taking the initiative in striving for its own rights and benefits whilst balancing the benefits of the whole community and joining hands in passing through troubled times - demonstrating the power of unity in this new era. Through all the ups and downs, Macao people, who are open-minded, and have adopted an appropriate pace for development, have shown their will to accept changes, and to build a modern Macao with an open market. We can therefore feel the new dynamics of the SAR within the present adversities, and can foresee a brand new Macao.

Without doubt, Macao people in this new era have already shown their unique and invaluable character. We love our country and Macao/; we are united as one/; we are practical and willing to bear hardships/; we are optimistic, open-minded and aggressive. These are the sources of Macao¡¦s competitive advantage and vitality. With all these advantages, we will be able to take a larger stride forward and turn our weaknesses into strengths, creating a desirable life for ourselves.

We are fully confident in Macao's future. After a period of modification, the SAR stands at a new starting point in history. We are now able to better integrate ourselves into a single, cohesive community and create new opportunities, and we are better placed to take time to evaluate and correct possible faults. The public has adopted the same approach towards economic development, providing clear directions for investors. While the SAR is constantly opening its market, its core industries will definitely advance by great leaps, but this doesn't mean that other industries will be overlooked. There are numerous business opportunities ahead, providing that we constantly improve ourselves and are innovative. The economy of the SAR will thrive on the best track for development while the social and spiritual lives of the whole community will see new improvements.

My guests and friends,

While we celebrate the second anniversary of the establishment of the SAR, the honourable presence in Macao of President Jiang Zemin - who last year came to witness our first anniversary - is still fresh in our memory. We all have been inspired and guided by President Jiang's words and encouragement. The Macao SAR Government will continue to uphold the Basic Law, meet our responsibilities and perform to the utmost of our abilities. With the administration established over the past two years as our base, we will also continue to stand besides the people of Macao and join hands in overcoming obstacles and forging ahead towards a golden future for Macao.

Now, let us raise our glasses, and

- to the vigour and prosperity of our great Motherland,

- to the future strong growth of Macao,

let's toast!