The success of Macao in the past decade was largely due to the Basic Law and the Central Government’s full support in its implementation.

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said this in Beijing today at the symposium on commemorating the 10th anniversary of the implementation of the Basic Law of Macao.

Mr Ho said the Basic Law stipulated the functions of the SAR Government, protected the fundamental rights and freedom of the residents and upheld private property rights and a free economy.

Most important reason for the the successful implementation of the Basic Law was the full support of the Central Government, he said.

Thanks to the Central Government and the concerted efforts of Macao, the SAR had made significant achievements in the past decade.

However, the Government had also made major mistakes in certain areas, which were caused by the misunderstanding of the original intention and spirit of the Basic Law, he said.

He said he believed the next SAR Government would make even greater achievements in the implementation of the Basic Law.

The symposium was attended by the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wu Bangguo, the Vice President, Mr Xi Jinping, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wang Zhaoguo, State Councilor, Ms Liu Yandong, and the Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Ling Jihua.