Macao Embraces Improving Economy and Democracy over Past Decade

Now, the lead up to the 10th anniversary of Macao's return to China, is well underway. Macao, an enclave of Portugal for around 400 years, returned to China 10 years ago. The Macao Special Administrative Region, or Macao SAR, established in 1999, has witnessed rapid economic development and noticeably improved public security and democracy over the past decade. Our reporter Zhangcheng has more.

Ten years ago, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, became the first chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

His taking office wasn't easy at that time, because Macao's economy had faced negative growth for four consecutive years imposing big challenges for him.

However, since its return to China, Macao's GDP has performed a huge u-turn, with a year-on-year increase of over 15 percent.

Recalling the past decade, Ho Hau Wah said the achievements couldn't have been made without the support of the central government.

"The central government's moves, including promoting mainland individual's trips to Macao, signing closer economic partnership arrangements, and measures helping Macao out of the global financial tsunami, have all contributed to the region's economic growth and social stability. More importantly, the central government is strictly upholding the spirit of 'one country, two systems' and the basic law, and has never intervened into Macao SAR's internal affairs. This is a source of great trust and support to us."

Macao's GDP in 2008 was 2.6 times that of 1999, an annual growth rate of 13 percent. The per capita GDP of Macao residents in 2008 reached almost 40,000 U.S. dollars, almost three times the average before its return.

While Macao's economy is taking off, the people of Macao also feel an improved governance over the past decade.

In June 2007, the SAR government initiated the largest ever reform of public administration, including government restructuring, service network construction, and reform of the civil servant system.

Liu Zhuohua is chairman of the Legislative Assembly of Macao SAR.

He said the process of "Macao people governing Macao" is ongoing, adding "citizens' participation is essential to Macao's democracy and progress."

"Before the return, over 70 percent of the laws were passed by the Australian/Portuguese government, but now the legislative assembly of Macao is the top legislative body, providing a bigger say for Macao legislators. In the past decade, over 120 laws have been passed by Macao legislators."

Yang Yunzhong is a professor with Macao Polytechnic Institute. He says the principle of "one country, two systems" has been well-received by local people.

"This June, I conducted an opinion poll related to the 'one country, two systems' policy. According to the results, 81 percent of residents had praise for the system and considered it successful."

Yang Yunzhong added when asked about the core values of Macao residents, "deep love for Macao and China" ranked No.1 among all the choices. Also high on the list were "democracy and the legal system", and "a guarantee of human rights".

Zhangcheng, CRI News.