Local news outlets reporting respectively in Portuguese and English play a significant role in Macao’s unique cultural landscape, promoting exchanges and social harmony which lead to the coexistence of Chinese and Western cultures.

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, made the remarks today in a speech at a lunch for representatives of local Portuguese-language and English-language media.

The Government would as always give its full support to local media in their work, striving to provide a better working environment for the press in order to diversify the sources of information available to the public, he added.

Mr Chui said the Government paid great attention to suggestions and opinions reported by the news media, adding the Government highly respected freedom of speech, the freedom of the press and the publishing freedom enjoyed by Macao residents.

In his address, Mr Chui mentioned that in the past year Macao had shown resolute spirit and concerted effort in rising to challenges brought about by Typhoon Hato. He added that despite the ferocity of the storm, the event had not shaken the determination of the Government and the community to make Macao a better home for all. 

The Government was fully confident of Macao’s development prospects for the coming year, he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Chui stated the city would continue to make use of the advantages of the “One country, two systems” principle; and would make further contributions to the “Belt and Road” initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Government would also press ahead with work to transform Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.