Central gov't supports Macao

The great changes of the Macao Special Administrative Region over the past decade have been widely recognized and applauded by local residents and officials. Many say their development is largely due to the strong policy support from the central government. Efforts such as the recent Hengqin Island policy, and the Pearl Delta Bridge have all contributed much to the region.

"One country, two systems." This political ideal has been carried out in Macao SAR for the past ten years. The central government worked hard in the run up to 1999, helping to set the tone for Macao's moment of return.

Jiang Zemin, Former Chinese President, said, "This important event, which is a focus of world attention, will be remembered forever in history. Beginning from this moment, Macao has entered a brand-new era in its development."

An accelerated decade of development has proven the Macao SAR has indeed entered a new stage. It's no longer a place famous only for its gaming industry, but an all-round tourist destination with a rich cultural heritage. It has moved from its position as an isolated region facing economic hardships to one that enjoys strong support from the growing motherland. On the fifth anniversary of the handover, Chinese President Hu Jintao spoke about the future development plans for Macao.

Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "Firstly, everything should be people-oriented. The government should constantly improve its work. The people are the foundation of the country. When the foundation is solid, the country is stable. Secondly, everything should be devoted to the sustained and sound economic development of Macao SAR. Thirdly, long-term plans should be drawn up and efforts stepped up to train the various personnel needed by Macao for its development. Fourthly, it's important to maintain stability and work hard to build a harmonious society in which people are valued and help one another."

Ten years after its return to China, figures now attest to just how far the region has come.

Economic data shows that Macao has become a region with increasing vitality, and a place more welcoming to investors.

Chui Sai On, Chief Executive-elect, Macao SAR, said, "We are quite confident of our future development. The motherland is our strong backing. The support is vital for our development."

Indeed, the central government has paid specific attention to Macao's development.

In the country's 11th five-year-plan, China for the first time dedicated a separate paragraph to the future of Macao SAR. It stated the central government would "support Macao SAR to develop its service industry and tourism, promoting an all-round economic development. '

In 2008, the country initiated a project to develop the Pearl River Delta region aimed at strengthening cooperation among the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, and Zhuhai in Guangdong province.

Also, the recently passed Hengqin Island development plan offers another platform to promote the regional development of the Delta. Part of the island has been allocated to Macao University for its future expansion.