The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today said the Government would use further measures to support the development of local media, in order to enhance relations between the Government, the media sector and the public.

Local news outlets reporting in Portuguese and English play an important role in boosting cultural exchanges, and in the development of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Chui stated in remarks during a lunch he hosted for representatives of, respectively, Portuguese-language and English-language media.

Such outlets in particular were crucial in promoting further exchanges between Eastern and Western cultures, and helping the development of Macao as it strengthens its position as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Advances in technology and the development of new media had a significant impact on the community, as they helped diversify the public’s sources of information, while at the same time creating challenges for the established media sector, said the Chief Executive.

Mr Chui added that the Government respects the freedom of expression enjoyed by Macao’s inhabitants, and strictly upholds the principles of the freedom of the press and the freedom to publish.

The Chief Executive also hosted a lunch on Wednesday (4 January) for representatives of local Chinese media.