Premier Li wraps up Macao visit, announces support measures

Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up his three-day inspection visit to Macao on Wednesday, announcing new measures to support Macao's development and enhance relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. [Special coverage]

During the trip, Li lauded the achievements the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has made since its return to the motherland, describing it as a land that has seen the successful practice of the "one country, two systems" principle.

The central government fully recognizes the SAR government's work and hopes the SAR administration will overcome difficulties and continue to take initiative to realize good management, construction and development of the region while uniting Macao's people, said Li when meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of Macao SAR on Monday.

The premier said the central government will fully support the law-based governance by the chief executive and the SAR administration, and backs Macao's participation in national development strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

In line with the new demands of Macao, the central government has formulated 19 measures to benefit the SAR, said the premier at a symposium attended by representatives from different walks of life on Wednesday morning.

The new moves include supporting the SAR government in hosting an annual global tourism economy forum, creating influential conventions and exhibitions, setting up a renminbi clearing center for Portuguese-speaking countries and establishing the headquarters for the cooperation and development fund between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The measures will help push diversified and sustainable development of Macao's economy.

With its unique history, culture and geographical advantages as well as rich tourism resources, Macao can attract more domestic and global tourists as long as it continues to improve its environment and service industry to become a world tourism and leisure center, said Li.

During the visit, the premier also attended the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries in Macao.

Macao plans to build a service platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

In a keynote speech delivered at the conference, the premier announced China will adopt 18 new measures in the next three years to boost relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao SAR will play an important role in providing the platform and supporting the implementation of these measures.

A complex for the cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries will be built in Macao to provide services in trade talks, trade shows and cultural exhibitions and exchanges. The facility is set to become a new landmark for bilateral cooperation.