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Macao can overcome crisis: Xi

By Louise Ho (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-12 07:29

Vice-President Xi Jinping (arm raised) meets representatives of Macao's residents on Saturday, during a two-day official trip to the special administrative region that ended yesterday. [China Daily]

MACAO: Vice-President Xi Jinping said he was confident of Macao's ability to overcome the current financial crisis, as he summed up his visit to the special administrative region (SAR) over the weekend.

His two-day inspection tour of the region, his first as a State leader, was "short but fruitful", Xi said at the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone before returning to the Chinese mainland yesterday.

Macao is being affected by global financial woes and people's livelihood is experiencing temporary difficulties, but the measures introduced by the Macao SAR government in response to the challenges are efficient and beneficial to the region, Xi said.

"So long as the spirit is there, there will be more solutions than difficulties," he said.

The regional government and people of Macao would be able to turn crisis into opportunity if they worked together, Xi said, adding that he is expecting to return to the city.

Macao should also pursue diversified development for its long-term benefit, Xi said earlier at the Macao East Asian Games Dome.

To that effect, the central government will develop Hengqin, an island next to Macao, Xi said.

The development plans for the island have considered fully the needs of Macao, Xi said during an inspection of Hengqin last Friday.

The region will also continue to enjoy the full support of the central government to help it achieve diversified development and enhance its cooperation with neighboring Guangdong province.

Xi attended more than 10 events following his arrival in the region on Saturday.

The vice-president received an update on the development of Macao from its chief executive Edmund Ho and senior officials of the region.

Xi also met residents from all walks of life, speaking to the community to understand the effect of the economic slowdown on their lives.

In his meetings with residents, Xi asked the people of Macao for their continued support for the SAR government.

Cheung Mei-lai, 70, took part in a dance performance for Xi when he visited the Macao General Neighbourhood Unions Association.

Cheung told media she was "delighted" to have the chance to meet the vice-president and that he showed a lot of concern for the lives of the region's residents.

A fruit stall assistant surnamed Chan said Xi's visit provided encouragement during the current tough economic times.

"His visit is good for Macao and I hope the city's economy can improve gradually," Chan said.