The Government will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure a good working environment for the media, improving communication channels between the Government, the press and the public, said today the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On.

A better working environment for the media and improved communication between the Government, the media and the public would contribute to the development and long-term stability of Macao, Mr Chui told representatives of local Chinese media during a lunch.

The Government highly respects and values the freedom of the press and publishing freedom, the Chief Executive stated.

As the media sector thrives – making use of modern technology and new platforms to disseminate information – the public has now more ways to receive news; hence, more opportunities and challenges have emerged for the media industry, Mr Chui stated.

The Chief Executive noted the devoted spirit and effort of media companies better to serve the public, and their long-term contribution to the implementation of the principle “One country, two systems”.

Mr Chui additionally said the Government would – in accordance with the Basic Law – make every effort to attend to deep-rooted social issues. In a year of potential volatile external environment, it is crucial that such social issues are addressed with the support of the Central Government and the collaborative efforts of the local community, he stressed.

Mr Chui also said the Government’s efforts to build a long-term social welfare system had not wavered, despite the ongoing adjustment period in the city’s gaming industry.

His team would keep working closely with the local community – under the Government’s policy strategy of “boosting the economy, focusing on people’s livelihood, and ensuring stable development” – to transform Macao into an international city with more favourable conditions for living and working, and to develop the city’s transport, travel and entertainment sectors.

The Government would make every effort to maintain a proper and sound management of its maritime boundaries – including a newly demarcated area of 85 square kilometres of maritime waters – and to make use of further development opportunities that might emerge in the future related to the city’s maritime economy, Mr Chui said.