Premier Li urges Macao to boost exchanges with Portuguese-speaking countries

Premier Li Keqiang meets with Macao's Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on on Friday in Beijing. [Photo by LIU ZHEN / CHINA NEWS SERVICE]

On Friday, Premier Li Keqiang urged Macao to promote economic and trade cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries and make the best of 23 favorable policies by the central government while building an international tourism and leisure center.

The premier made these remarks when meeting with Macao's Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on, who was reporting his work to the central government during an annual trip.

The central government firmly adheres to the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and supports the government of Macao Special Administrative Region and its chief to govern the city based on the Constitution and the Basic Law, Li said.

The Macao government continued to realize fiscal surplus and adequate employment for residents even while facing pressure for economic growth, Li said. Macao has also made progress in appropriately diversifying its economy apart from its world-famous casino industry, he added.

Premier Li met with Chui two months after he visited Macao in October to attend the fifth ministerial meeting of the Economic and Trade Forum between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Chui said a series of policies Premier Li announced in October has boosted Macao's social and economic development as well as opening-up and building cooperation with other countries. Macao will link with the country's national strategies and accelerate efforts in building a world tourism and leisure center and a platform to exchange with Portuguese-speaking countries.