Xi speaks highly of SAR's central bodies

President Xi Jinping on Friday gave full affirmation of efforts made by central authority bodies and State-owned enterprises in Macao, saying they have contributed much to the special administrative region's achievements over the past two decades.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when meeting with high-level representatives of these organizations and companies in the SAR.

During the meeting, Xi said they have played an indispensable role in the achievements made under the principle of "one country, two systems".

Macao-based central authorities' bodies have resolutely carried out the decisions and plans of the central authorities and actively supported the SAR government's law-based governance, Xi said, adding that State-owned enterprises in Macao have promoted the SAR's development and prosperity through joint efforts with local companies.

Xi stressed that carrying on and improving implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle is the political platform of the central government's current and future policies involving Hong Kong and Macao affairs. He expressed hope that all members of these organizations and companies will carry out their roles in Macao with a greater sense of mission and responsibility, making greater contributions to the future practice of "one country, two systems" in the SAR.

Central authorities' bodies in Macao include the Central People's Government Liaison Office of the Macao SAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR and the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison.

Since having a presence in Macao, State-owned enterprises have played significant roles in non-gaming industries such as finance, tourism and construction. Household names include Nam Kwong (Group) Co Ltd－which has its headquarters in the SAR－Bank of China Macao Branch, China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd and China Construction Engineering (Macao) Co Ltd.

Zhou Xingting, chairman of Nam Yue (Group) Co Ltd, a Macao-based State-owned enterprise, said he was cheered by President Xi's care and affirmation.

To play a larger role in Macao's future development, Zhou said the company will continue serving the special administrative region's livelihood needs and contribute to its economic diversification.

Xi made an inspection visit to Macao from Wednesday to Friday to officiate the inauguration ceremony of the SAR's new government as well as attend celebrations for the SAR's 20th anniversary.