Xi meets chief executive of Macao SAR

BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Friday.

Xi said the central authority fully appreciates the work of Chui and the Macao SAR government, and the Macao SAR has set an example in implementing the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law, as well as safeguarding national security and unity.

Chui is in Beijing to report to the central government on his work in 2016.

Under Chui's leadership, the Macao SAR government has focused on policies to boost the economy, improve people's livelihood and ensure stable development in 2016, Xi said, adding the Macao SAR government has done a lot of work in advancing public administration reform, promoting "appropriate diversification" of its economy, putting gaming industries under check and dealing with major issues in accordance with the law.

By mapping out the first five-year development plan for Macao, Chui and the Macao SAR government actively coordinated with the country's 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative, moves that showed the SAR's commitment to long-term development, Xi said.

Xi said the general situation in Macao is good, and the economy and people's livelihood are improving.

He called on Chui and the Macao SAR government to lead and unite all circles in the region to carry forward the tradition of loving the country and Macao, while sticking to national strategy and ensuring the prosperity and stability of the region.

Chui and the Macao SAR government were told to make boosting the economy and improving people's livelihood a priority and to efficiently govern the region in accordance with the law to make Macao more beautiful and prosperous.

On behalf of the central government and himself, Xi asked Chui to convey new year greetings to all citizens of Macao.

Top legislator Zhang Dejiang also attended the meeting.

In a separate meeting with Chui on Friday, Premier Li Keqiang expressed appreciation of Macao SAR's efforts to achieve a fiscal surplus, promote the job market, boost diversified development and maintain social harmony and stability, in face of the pressure of economic downturn.

Li said the central government will unwaveringly implement the principles of "one country, two systems," "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy, as well as act with the Constitution and the Basic Law.

The premier said the central government will give full support to the Macao SAR government and the chief executive's governance in accordance with the law, adding it will also back the SAR's efforts to boost economic development, improve people's livelihood, promote public administration reform and integrate its development into the country's development.

He also called on the Macao SAR to make new headway as a service platform for business and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Chui said guidance and assistance from the central government, especially a series of preferential policies, have vigorously bolstered social and economic development in Macao, as well as its opening up to the outside and external cooperation, adding the Macao SAR government will work to maintain economic stability and continue improving people's livelihood.