Chief Executive Edmund Ho today (1 Oct) in his National Day speech praised the local residents for their love of the motherland and of Macao that stands as a strong support during tough times.

Chief Executive Edmund Ho delivered his speech at the National Day reception held by the SAR Government this afternoon.

The Chief Executive remarked that Macao, since its reunification with the motherland in almost three years ago, has been progressing on the implementation of "One Country Two Systems" and a high degree of autonomy as a Special Administrative Region of People¡¦s Republic of China.

Mr. Ho praised that the residents have been preparing themselves and striving for progress during that time, and that it was the residents' love of the motherland and of Macao that stands as a strong support during difficult times.

The Chief Executive pointed out that although certain positive signs have revealed that recovery of the local economy has begun, legacy from the readjustment period, such as unemployment could not be corrected overnight, and we should be patient and continue to take realistic steps towards successes in various sectors.

Mr. Ho also stressed that government departments should continue to improve their services, taking the benefit of the public as priority. He also emphasized the importance of non-governmental organizations in providing services to the public.

Mr. Ho expressed his gratefulness to the Central Government for its continuous support to the SAR since its establishment, adding that the cooperation between the SAR and the mainland has been progressing in many aspects, and it is indisputable that the support from the motherland, as well as a complementary relation between the SAR and the mainland, are the keys to Macao's sustainable development and prolonged success.

A series of celebration are being held to mark the National Day, including a flag raising ceremony, the official reception and firework display at the evening.