The Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, today said in his inauguration speech that the Fifth-term Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) would engage in further steps – and broaden Macao’s vision – in cultivating the “One country, two systems” principle with Macao characteristics.

The President, Mr Xi Jinping, administered the oath of office to the new Chief Executive, in the presence of more than 1,100 guests. The inauguration ceremony for the Chief Executive and other officials of the Fifth-term Government of the Macao SAR took place at 10am today at the East Asian Games Dome.

Those chosen respectively as principal officials, Public Prosecutor-General and members of the Executive Council, for the Fifth-term Government of the Macao SAR, were sworn in after Mr Ho took his oath.

Mr Ho said he felt truly honoured to be the Fifth-term Chief Executive and he understood this honour also came with challenging responsibilities.

In his inauguration speech, Mr Ho said Macao was evidence of the successful implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle, enriched with Macao characteristics. The city was the shining demonstration that the “One country, two systems” principle was entirely viable, achievable and popular.

The newly-inaugurated Chief Executive said “Unity and Effort, Change and Innovation” would be the Government’s vision. By thinking creatively, and via scientific decision-making, the Government would dare to take decisive actions.

Mr Ho shared his confidence that “Unity and Effort, Change and Innovation” would set Macao on the path to a bright and highly-successful future, and would help the city scale new heights of splendour in relation to the “One country, two systems” principle.

In his address, Mr Ho also pointed out that the Government would implement the “One country, two systems” principle in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Macao Basic Law, in order steadfastly to uphold national sovereignty and safety, and national development.

The Government would pursue timely development in all areas, with great courage and a spirit of innovation, Mr Ho stressed. The Government would dedicate further effort in order to make fresh, solid achievements, and thereby repay the support and trust bestowed on Macao by the Central Government; and by the people of Macao on the SAR Government, he added.

Regarding economic development, Mr Ho said the Government would foster effort to cultivate a rich and vibrant tourism industry imbued with unique attractions. The Government would nurture sectors and industries such as conferences and exhibitions, traditional Chinese medicine, the cultural and creative fields, and development of cutting-edge technology.

Macao would seek to make leaps in its effort to transform itself as, respectively: a world centre of tourism and leisure; a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries; and a multicultural exchange and cooperation base with an emphasis on Chinese culture (known collectively as the “Centre, Platform and Base” policies).

Macao was committed to fostering connections between China and the West, by making full use of its close ties with Portuguese-speaking countries, Mr Ho said.

The Chief Executive also shared thoughts on his policy vision for public housing, transport, environmental protection, urban renewal, and smart-city development.

Over the past two decades, economic growth and other positive achievements had consolidated the city’s impressive development. Against the backdrop of the country’s quest to deepen its reform and broaden its liberalisation, policies such as the “Belt and Road” initiative, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, would give rise to crucial opportunities for the development of Macao, Mr Ho said.

Mr Ho also expressed his utmost appreciation for the Central Government’s care, guidance and support; for the guidance of his predecessors, Mr Ho Hau Wah and Mr Chui Sai On; and for the practical and concerted effort of Macao people from all walks of life.

In the morning, prior to the ceremonies, more than 650 guests attended a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.