Macao to continue economic adjustment: chief executive

MACAO - Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), said here on Saturday that the government will continue to give priority to stable economic development and orderly adjustment of the economic structure.

Chui, in his inaugural address as the fourth-term chief executive, pledged to push forward the region's economic diversification.

"Adequate economic diversification is the inevitable choice and long-term strategy for the development of Macao's economy," said the chief executive.

Chui stressed the importance of the top level design of establishing the region as a world tourism and leisure center.

The region is adjusting the scope of the gaming industry, promoting integrated tourism, cultivating new and emerging industries including the convention and exhibition business, said the chief executive.

He said Macao must secure its role as a service platform for commercial and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, become thoroughly involved in international interactions, and integrate local development into China's growth.

Chui said he fully understands Macao people's expectation for quality living and healthy growth of their younger generation.

"We are accountable to prioritizing the enhancement of people's well-being, expediting the development to make Macao a liveable city with favorable working environment," he said.

Chui, 57, was sworn in on Saturday as the fourth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR. He won a sole-contender reelection on Aug. 31, and was later appointed by China's central government.