The Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with local Portuguese- and English-language news organisations, in order for all sides to fulfil their respective responsibilities regarding the promotion of diversification in Macao’s development, and regarding social harmony and stability.

The Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, today made the remarks at a lunch reception hosted for local news organisations reporting respectively in Portuguese and English.

In his speech, Mr Ho said the Government would continue enhancing constructive communication and interaction with the media; facilitate media reporting and provision of information; and ensure that journalists were able better to fulfil their responsibilities and functions. 

The Chief Executive spoke highly of the roles played by the press throughout the pandemic. Local Portuguese- and English-language media had reflected the views and aspirations of the public, and provided the Government with comments and suggestions, thus enabling the Government to serve better the public and respond to the needs of society.

With those languages and relevant cultures as a bridge, local news outlets reporting in Portuguese and English played an active role in linking communities within Macao, enhancing mutual understanding between Macao and the world, and promoting harmony and inclusion in relation to Macao society. They were in fact the key witnesses and contributors to Macao’s multiculturalism, Mr Ho noted.

Mr Ho went on to say that many friends around the world who were concerned about Macao, received information about new developments and happenings in Macao through news reports in the Portuguese- and English-language press. During the pandemic that has lasted for more than a year, the Portuguese- and English-language press had also demonstrated their important role in maintaining communications between overseas Macao residents, communities in Macao that either do not speak or read Chinese, and the Government – enabling people in these communities to understand the Government’s policies and measures.

The Chief Executive added it was hoped such news organisations would continue maintaining their professionalism, playing a bridging role in order objectively to report on society and people’s lives, and supporting and monitoring the Government’s administration. The news organisations were urged to make use of their functions to promote Macao’s social development to the world and facilitate international exchanges and cooperation.

The pandemic was not over, and further challenges were ahead. In 2021, Macao would spare no effort to strengthen the solid foundations established in the past 20 years since the founding of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and tackle challenges head on. The Government would steadfastly implement the principles of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao”, and a high degree of autonomy, while dedicating further effort in normalising pandemic prevention and control.

Further effort would be made to seize the great development opportunities arising through the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the “Belt and Road” initiative; and Macao would actively participate in the country’s “dual circulation” economy, and promote the city’s sustainable adequate economic diversification, said Mr Ho.