The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) should remain steadfast, stand united, set a long term vision, and ward off external interference in maintaining social stability, said the Vice President, Mr Xi Jinping.

Speaking at a dinner reception hosted by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho, to welcome his two-day visit to Macao, Mr Xi acknowledged the MSAR Government’s efforts in coping with last year’s challenges, noting that it had done a good job in addressing constitutional development, legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, and the impact of the global financial turmoil. He added that Macao has achieved both economic growth and social stability since the territory’s return to Chinese rule.

“I am confident that Macao people’s diligence and wisdom will enable them to manage local affairs properly and to build a better Macao,” Mr Xi told the gathering at the Government Headquarters.

Mr Xi reiterated the Central Government’s great concern with the impact of the global financial crisis on Macao, and urged every sector to seize opportunities arising from the nine support measures announced earlier by the Central Government, as well as the newly released reform and development plan for the Pearl River Delta that called for greater integration in the region.

Commenting on the present economic situation, the Vice President pointed out that Macao people should remain steadfast and stand united in the face of difficulty. In addition, he reminded Macao of the importance of optimal economic diversification to its goal of sustainable development.

Mr Xi underlined that social stability was the foundation of Macao’s economic development and prosperity. He said the entire community should safeguard social stability at all cost and ward off external interference in Macao’s affairs.

During his speech, Mr Xi also expressed the Central Government’s appreciation of Macao’s relief efforts for victims of last year’s snowstorm and earthquake on the Mainland.

Concluding his remarks, Mr Xi wished Macao every success in its preparations for the upcoming 10th anniversary of the establishment of the MSAR.

For his part, the Chief Executive thanked the Central Government for its unreserved support for Macao in the past nine years.

Mr Ho also pledged that the MSAR Government would try its very best to implement the support measures recently introduced by the Central Government to promote sustainable growth in Macao.