A flag-raising ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland is held at the Golden Lotus Square in Macao, south China on Dec. 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
In the past year, the Macao SAR government made efforts to safeguard national security and maintain social stability, implemented the principle of "patriots administering Macao," and steadfastly progressed with appropriate economic diversification.
MACAO, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) sped up its integration into the country's overall development in 2022, a key year for implementing Macao's second five-year plan for economic and social development and the building of the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, neighboring Zhuhai city.
In the past year, the Macao SAR government made efforts to safeguard national security and maintain social stability, implemented the principle of "patriots administering Macao," and steadfastly progressed with appropriate economic diversification.
Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2022 shows a reception celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Macao, south China. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
"PATRIOTS ADMINISTERING MACAO"
During the past year, the Macao SAR has made substantial efforts to amend the law on safeguarding national security in Macao.
From Aug. 22 to Oct. 5, the Macao SAR government sought public consultation on the amendment, with some 93 percent of the more than 111,000 pieces of advice in favor. On Dec. 15, the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR approved the amendment.
Sheng Li, professor of political economy and public policies at the University of Macao, said the amendment provided legal and systemic guarantee for the Macao SAR government to carry out its constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, prevent and resist external interference and implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao."
The SAR government also continued enhancing public awareness of national security in multiple means, providing primary and middle school students with new teaching materials on the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, holding an educational exhibition on national security which attracted nearly 60,000 visitors in April and May and offering training courses for civil servants on the subject.
Wang Haitao, chairman of the National Conditions Education Association (Macao), said these campaigns increased Macao residents' understanding of national conditions and enhanced the young generation's sense of belonging to the country.
People view illumination installations during the Mid-Autumn Festival at Senado Square in south China's Macao on Sept. 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
APPROPRIATE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
In 2022, promoting appropriate economic diversification remained the primary task for the SAR government despite the COVID-19 pandemic, said Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR, when delivering the policy address for fiscal 2023 in November.
During the past year, Macao continued its efforts in building a world tourism and leisure center combining the elements of food, sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, culture, medicine and sports.
The emerging industries of big health, modern finance, new and high technologies as well as exhibitions and conventions maintained a growth momentum, with the medicine supervisory body ISAF established, the Macao Central Securities Depository (CSD) system put into operation, and several projects on integrated circuit design and artificial intelligence between universities and enterprises facilitated.
Li Meizhen of China crosses the finish line after winning women's title at the Macao International Marathon in Macao, south China on Dec. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Macao also hosted a number of sports events including the Grand Prix motorsport road race for automobiles and motorcycles, the 41st Macao International Marathon, and the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Macao 2022 to help boost the tourism industry.
Ip Kuai Peng, vice rector of the City University of Macao, said developing emerging industries that are not dependent on tourists, particularly those using modern information technologies, is a natural choice for Macao to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve economic recovery.
In 2022, the Macao SAR government appropriately handled the revision to local gaming laws and a new round of gaming concession tendering. It also rolled out extensive subsidies on water and electricity bills as well as electronic payment allowances to boost consumption.
Lei Wai Nong, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR government, said the SAR government would continuously adopt the strategy of appropriate diversification and optimize the industrial structure.
Participants take part in a tray race marking the World Tourism Day in Macao, south China, on Sept. 27, 2022. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
INTEGRATION INTO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
With support from the central authorities and under the joint efforts with Guangdong Province, the Macao SAR government steadily progressed with the building of the in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin in terms of industrial development, integration of people's livelihood and the linkage of rules.
Preferential tax policies were put in place for businesses and Macao residents working in Hengqin. Foreigners in Macao can obtain visas for entering Hengqin in a more convenient manner. Macao residents can also enjoy pre-school, compulsory and senior high school education in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Police officers of Macao Special Administrative Region (L) and immigration inspection officers from Zhuhai check the joint automated inspection channels during a drill of clearance services at new Hengqin port in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province on Aug. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Near the end of the year, applications opened for vehicles registered in Macao to enter the mainland. Once approved with a license, these vehicles could enter Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge border port as early as on Jan. 1, 2023.
These measures will not only create new living space for Macao residents, but also expand development space for Macao's industries, said Professor Sheng.
Yao Jincheng, founder of Star Speed Store, a technology firm founded in Macao focusing on hotel room delivery robots, said he has gained a lot from the preferential policies in the in-depth cooperation zone.
"Thanks to the development of the in-depth zone, I'm very confident in the future of Macao and the people here," Yao said.■
