On December 20th, 1999, after more than 400 years of storms, Macau finally returned to the embrace of its motherland. These 25 years have been a period of hard work and prosperous development for Macau, as well as a successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.
Over the past 25 years, Macau’s economy has achieved a leapfrog development. With strong support from the government, Macau has fully leveraged its unique advantages, actively integrated into the overall development of the country, and continuously expanded its development space. Today, Macau has become a globally renowned tourism and leisure center as well as an international free port. The gambling, tourism, hotel, and catering industries are thriving, and the total economic output continues to grow, with per capita GDP ranking among the top in the world.
In terms of social welfare, Macau has achieved remarkable success. The education level continues to improve, medical conditions are gradually improving, the social security system is becoming increasingly perfect, and the quality of life of residents has significantly improved. The government actively promotes the construction of public housing and strives to solve the housing problem of residents, so that every Macau resident can live and work in peace and contentment. At the same time, Macao has spared no effort in cultural inheritance and protection. The unique the Historic Center of Macao has been included in the World Cultural Heritage List. Traditional Portuguese buildings and Chinese temples complement each other, showing the charm of Macao’s multi-cultural.
The improvement of infrastructure construction is also a major highlight of Macau’s 25 year return to China. The completion and opening of the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge has greatly shortened the distance between Macao and the mainland, and strengthened the connection between Macao and other cities in the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area. The expansion of Macau International Airport and the opening of light rail have further enhanced Macau’s transportation capacity, providing convenience for economic development and residents’ travel.
In terms of the construction of the rule of law, Macao adheres to the principle of “one country”, makes good use of the benefits of “two systems”, strictly follows the Constitution and the Basic Law, and maintains social harmony and stability. The Macao Special Administrative Region government actively promotes the improvement and reform of the legal system, strengthens law enforcement capacity building, ensures the fair implementation of the law, and provides a solid legal guarantee for the prosperity and development of Macao.
Over the past 25 years, the exchange and cooperation between Macau and the mainland have become increasingly close. The signing of CEPA (Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between the Mainland and Macau) has provided a broader space for Macau enterprises to enter the mainland market. Macao actively participates in the construction of the “the Belt and Road” and strengthens economic and trade exchanges and people to people and cultural exchanges with countries and regions along the Belt and Road. At the same time, cooperation between Macau and the mainland in education, technology, culture and other fields continues to deepen, promoting talent cultivation and mobility, and driving innovative development.
Looking back at the 25-year history of Macau’s return, ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is the fundamental institutional guarantee for maintaining Macau’s long-term prosperity and stability. At a new historical starting point, Macao will continue to steadfastly implement the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, fully leverage its own advantages, actively integrate into the overall development of the country, and continuously create a better future.
Standing at a new starting point of the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return, with the strong support of the Macau Special Administrative Region government and mainland compatriots, this brilliant pearl of Macau will surely shine even brighter in the embrace of the motherland, making new and greater contributions to realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!
