Premier Li calls for creating better future of Macao

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang greets tourists and local residents while visiting the Macao Museum in Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, Oct 11, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Accompanied by Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Li visited Macao Museum, city landmarks, shops, a family and a school on Tuesday afternoon.

While at Macao Museum, Li saw an exhibition on the city's history and diverse cultures. Upon seeing a map about Macao that covered its position as an ancient trade hub between Europe and Asia, and its strong links to the maritime Silk Road, Li urged Macao to seize the opportunity of the Belt and Road Initiative and enhance its unique advantages through further opening up.

The premier went to the Mount Fortress, which overlooks the Macao Peninsula. At the adjacent ruins of St. Paul's, a World Heritage site, he was greeted by locals and tourists, and posed for photos with them.

"The beautiful Macao is where Chinese and Western cultures converge and a landmark for the successful practice of the 'one country, two systems' principle," Li said. "I am confident that Macao will have a bright future thanks to the concerted efforts of all its citizens."

Li visited a family and asked about their extended family, their jobs and the pensions assigned to their older relatives. The premier said he was delighted to see they were happy and encouraged the kids to pursue their dreams.

At Keang Peng School, one of the oldest schools in Macao, Li listened to a report on Macao's education development and watched robots and environment friendly products made by pupils in a laboratory. He encouraged the students to be innovative and enhance their practical ability.

The premier said he hoped all the students would pursue innovation and excellence and pass down the tradition of "love the country, love Macao". The pupils presented handmade souvenirs to the premier when he left the school.

When inspecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world's longest cross-sea bridge, Li said it will significantly improve the transportation network of the Pan-Pearl River Delta region.

The premier visited several shops and bought local pastries at Rua do Cunha, famed for its baked goods.

With its unique history, culture and geographical advantage as well as rich tourism resources, Macao can attract more inland and global tourists as long as it continues to improve its environment and service industry to elevate it into a world tourism and leisure center, said Li.

Earlier on Tuesday, Li attended the opening ceremony of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The premier arrived in Macao on Monday.